Baltimore RNLI assists yacht in difficulty off Crookhaven
Baltimore RNLI was called out on Sunday night to assist a yacht that had run into difficulty off Crookhaven in West Cork.
The alarm was raised shortly after 8pm when the skipper and sole occupant of the 25-foot vessel reported being unable to make his way back to port in strong winds. The yacht became fouled on a line while under motor, making progress against the tide and weather increasingly difficult.
The all-weather lifeboat launched at 8.10pm and reached the yacht at 8.52pm. Coxswain Aidan Bushe assessed the situation and decided a tow was required. The vessel was taken under tow at 9.05pm and brought safely into Crookhaven Harbour by 9.52pm. Crew members then assisted in securing the yacht to a mooring before the lifeboat returned to Baltimore, arriving back at station just before 11pm.
Seven volunteer crew were on board the lifeboat during the operation, carried out in rough seas with an easterly Force 5 wind, a 1.5-metre swell and poor visibility due to mist and fog.
Baltimore RNLI press officer Kate Callanan said the sailor had acted correctly in seeking help before nightfall. “We were happy to be able to help him. Should you get into difficulty at sea, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard,” she said.
