Yacht Runs Aground in West Cork

A yacht with two people on board was towed to safety by Baltimore RNLI early Thursday morning after it ran aground on the Ilen River in West Cork.

The alarm was raised shortly before 8am, with the Irish Coast Guard requesting lifeboat assistance. The inshore lifeboat launched at 7.55am and reached the grounded vessel within minutes.

Volunteer crew member James Kitt was put aboard the yacht to help establish a towline, and the lifeboat successfully pulled the vessel clear.

Following checks for damage, the skipper confirmed the yacht could continue its journey unaided. The lifeboat returned to Baltimore station by 8.30am.

Four volunteer crew took part in the operation: Kieran Collins (Helm), James Kitt, Stuart Musgrave, and Johnny McKenna. Shore crew included Rianne Smith, Jerry Smith, and Marion MacFeely. Conditions at the time were calm with a west to northwesterly Force 3–4 wind.

Kate Callanan, Lifeboat Press Officer, reminded sea-goers, “Even experienced sailors can get into difficulty. If you do, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”