Courtmacsherry RNLI Launch Twice to Incidents off Seven Heads Coastline
- Pat Nolan
- 16 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Wednesday 24 June 2026
Courtmacsherry RNLI's All-Weather Lifeboat Val Adnams was launched twice on Tuesday, 23 June following separate incidents off the Seven Heads coastline in West Cork.
The first callout came at 8.16am when the lifeboat was tasked by Valentia Coast Guard Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre after a passing vessel reported a 32ft yacht drifting close to the Seven Heads coastline. Concern was raised as no one could be seen on deck and the yacht's sails were observed flapping in the wind.
Under the command of Coxswain Ken Cashman and with a crew of five onboard, the lifeboat launched within ten minutes and proceeded at full speed to the reported location.
The yacht was quickly located at 8.46am. On arrival, the RNLI crew discovered that the vessel was being sailed single-handed by a French sailor who was below deck at the time. Following a detailed assessment and enquiry, it was established that the sailor was safe and did not require any assistance.
With no further action required, the lifeboat returned to station and was back on its mooring in Courtmacsherry by 9.20am.
As temperatures continued to rise on what proved to be one of the warmest days of the year, the volunteer crew were called into action again at 2.52pm. This time, a 30ft fishing vessel with two people onboard had reported difficulties off the Seven Heads coastline.
Once again under the command of Coxswain Ken Cashman and a crew of five, the lifeboat launched within nine minutes and made its way to the scene. The casualty vessel was located at 3.15pm and it was quickly established that the fishing boat had suffered a loss of steering.
Given the circumstances, the RNLI crew deemed it prudent to immediately take the vessel under tow. The lifeboat successfully escorted the fishing vessel back to safety, arriving at Courtmacsherry Pier at 4.20pm.
Courtmacsherry RNLI voluntary Launch Authority Mark Maguire praised the response of the station's volunteers, saying:
"It was great to have so many crewmembers respond quickly to today's callouts on one of the year's warmest days."
Tuesday's incidents were also notable as they marked Mark's first operational callouts since becoming one of the station's Launch Authorities. Mark is no stranger to maritime operations, currently serving as the Captain of an ocean-going container ship.
Crew members involved across the two callouts included Coxswain Ken Cashman, Mechanic Stuart Russell, and crew members Kevin Young, Denis Murphy, Dave Philips, Luke Hanley, Ian McCarthy and Taylor Murphy.
