Baltimore RNLI provides assistance to a rib with three people onboard
Baltimore RNLI were called out to provide assistance to a rib with three people onboard that got into difficulty south of Cape Clear Island off the coast of West Cork last Saturday 2 August.
The volunteer lifeboat crew launched their inshore lifeboat at 2.40pm, following a request from the Irish Coast Guard to go to the assistance of a 5m rib with three people on board which was suffering from engine problems just south of Cape Clear Island.
The Baltimore inshore lifeboat crew arrived on scene at 2.50pm and Helm Pat O’Driscoll decided that undertaking a tow was necessary. Volunteer crew member Stuart Musgrave was put aboard the casualty vessel to assist in rigging a tow and shortly after the lifeboat and casualty vessel were underway and heading to Baltimore Harbour, the nearest safe and suitable port. Once the casualty vessel was secured at the pier in Baltimore Harbour, the lifeboat returned to the station, arriving at 3.20pm.
There were four volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat, Helm Pat O’Driscoll and crew members James Kitt, Johnny McKenna and Stuart Musgrave. Assisting at the lifeboat station were volunteer shore crew members Rianne Smith and Marion MacFeely. Conditions at sea during the call were calm with a north westerly force 3-4 wind, smooth sea state with only a small swell height and excellent visibility.
Speaking following the call out, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘Just as the occupant of this vessel did, it is important to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard as soon as you find yourself in difficulty at sea.’
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RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0872906607 or email [email protected] or contact Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 0876483547 or [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 0871254124 or [email protected]
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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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