Baltimore RNLI transfers firefighters from mainland to Heir Island
Baltimore RNLI were called out earlier this evening (Monday 11 August) to transport firefighters out to a fire on Heir Island off the coast of west Cork.
The volunteer lifeboat crew launched their all-weather lifeboat at 5.46pm, following a request from the Irish Coast Guard to carry 9 firefighters from Skibbereen Fire Station, out to a gorse fire on Heir Island. The lifeboat was tasked as it was the quickest available means to get the fire brigade crews to the island. The lifeboat arrived at the pier on Heir Island at 5.59pm where the firefighters disembarked. The lifeboat then returned to the station in Baltimore, arriving at 6.25pm.
Along with the fire brigade crews, there were five volunteer lifeboat crew onboard, Coxswain Aidan Bushe, mechanic Cathal Cottrell and crew members Emma Geary, Stuart Musgrave and Conor Harrington. Assisting at the lifeboat station was Micheal Cottrell. Conditions during the call out were calm with a south easterly force 3-4 wind.
Speaking following the call out, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘This is a good example of how Baltimore RNLI often work alongside other emergency services. We are often tasked to carry emergency personnel such as fire or ambulance crew out to incidents on the islands off the coast of Baltimore. If you ever find yourself in difficulty on an island and in need of emergency assistance, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
Ends
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.