Baltimore RNLI assists a yacht that ran aground on the Ilen River in west Cork

Following the request from the Irish Coast Guard, the volunteer lifeboat crew launched their inshore lifeboat at 7.55am, and arrived at the yacht just a few minutes later.

Helm Kieran Collins assessed the situation and spoke to the two sailors on board the yacht. Volunteer lifeboat crew member James Kitt was put aboard the casualty vessel to assist in rigging a tow. The lifeboat towed the boat clear from where they went aground. Following an assessment for damage, Kieran then checked with the skipper of the yacht who was happy to continue without any further assistance. The lifeboat then returned back to the station in Baltimore, arriving at 8.30am.

There were four volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat, Helm Kieran Collins and crew members James Kitt, Stuart Musgrave and Johnny McKenna. Assisting at the lifeboat station were Rianne Smith, Jerry Smith and Marion MacFeely. Conditions during the call out were calm with a west to north westerly force 3-4 wind.

Speaking following the call out, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘Even the most experienced sailors can get into difficulty and we were happy to be of assistance to the yacht’s crew this morning. Should you get into difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’

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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]

Key facts about the RNLI

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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.