Busy afternoon sees Crosshaven RNLI volunteers launch to two incidents
- Pat Nolan
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
Friday 31 July 2026
On Friday 31 July, Crosshaven RNLI’s volunteer crew were kept busy with two separate callouts over the course of a busy afternoon.
The first launch came at 1.45pm when the crew were tasked by the Irish Coast Guard to reports of a yacht snagged near Roches Point. As the lifeboat was launching, the Coast Guard advised that the yacht had managed to free itself and the volunteer crew were stood down, with no further assistance required.
Later that afternoon, at 5.30pm, the crew were tasked once again, this time to a 40-foot ketch reported adrift in White Bay.
The sole person on board had no VHF radio or mobile phone and was forced to flag down a passing pilot boat to request assistance. The pilot boat contacted the Irish Coast Guard, who requested the launch of the Crosshaven RNLI lifeboat.
On arrival, the volunteer crew found the vessel drifting dangerously close to going aground. They quickly established a temporary tow to move the yacht into deeper water before taking it under tow to the safety of Crosshaven.
The lifeboat returned to station, where it was washed down, refuelled and made ready for service again by 7.25pm.
The volunteer crew for the launch were Alan Venner, Michael Livingstone, Susanne Deane and James Fegan.
Shore crew were Alex Barry, Darryl Hughes and James Cotter. Lifeboat Operations were coordinated by Michael McCann and Hugh Tully.
The RNLI is reminding everyone heading afloat to ensure they have a means of calling for help. A VHF radio is the most reliable method of contacting the Coast Guard at sea and should be carried wherever possible. Mobile phones can be useful but should not be relied upon as the sole means of communication due to limited coverage and battery life.
Boaters are also encouraged to check the weather and tides before setting out, ensure their vessel is well maintained, and always wear an appropriate lifejacket or personal flotation device.
