Courtmacsherry RNLI Assists Disabled Pleasure Boat off the Old Head of Kinsale
- Pat Nolan
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Sunday 12 July 2026
Courtmacsherry RNLI's all-weather lifeboat Val Adnams launched on Saturday afternoon to assist a 23-foot pleasure boat that got into difficulty west of the Old Head of Kinsale.
The volunteer crew were tasked at 4.06pm following reports that the vessel had suffered a complete loss of power while at sea. With an easterly wind gusting in the area, the situation required prompt assistance.
Under the command of Coxswain Ken Cashman, the lifeboat launched immediately and, with a crew of five, arrived on scene at approximately 4.30pm. Following an assessment of the situation, the decision was made to establish a tow to bring the disabled vessel safely back to shore.
A towline was successfully passed to the casualty vessel, and the lifeboat commenced the tow to the safety of Courtmacsherry Harbour. The two vessels arrived safely alongside the Courtmacsherry Pier pontoon shortly after 6.00pm.
The three people aboard the pleasure craft were relieved to be safely ashore after what had been an eventful afternoon on the water. There were no reports of injuries.
Courtmacsherry RNLI Launch Authority Philip White praised the volunteer crew for their swift response.
"Great credit is due to all our crew who quickly assembled when the bleepers were activated, and it was good that help was asked for quickly by the pleasure boat crew."
The volunteer crew on the callout were Coxswain Ken Cashman, Mechanic Stuart Russell, and crew members Tadgh McCarthy, Dave Philips, Luke Hanley, and Peter Nunan.
The RNLI reminds all boat users to ensure their vessels are well maintained, carry appropriate safety equipment, and seek assistance at the earliest sign of difficulty to help prevent situations from deteriorating.
