Crosshaven Coast Guard tasked to vessels gone aground

Monday 12 January 2026

On Sunday, 11 January, the Crosshaven Coast Guard crew received an urgent page from MRSC Valentia at 1:12 PM. The Port of Cork reported that vessels had broken free from their moorings and gone aground, prompting a swift response from the Coast Guard.

Photo Credit: Crosshaven Coast Guard

The Coast Guard boat, manned by a crew of six, quickly set off in challenging weather conditions. The team faced a southerly wind blowing at Force 4-5, with occasional gusts reaching Force 6. Additionally, a strong ebb tide was running downriver, adding to the difficulty of the rescue operation.

Upon arrival at the scene, the crew discovered that two boats had broken free from the same mooring. The team acted promptly, first focusing on a 30-foot survey boat. Two crew members boarded the vessel, established a tow, and successfully transported it to a nearby mooring for safety.

The second vessel, a 48-foot, 18-tonne yacht, posed a more significant challenge. With the assistance of a local angling boat, whose crew were related to the yacht's owner, the Coast Guard team managed to refloat the yacht. They then expertly navigated it to a separate mooring, ensuring its security.

A spokesperson for the Crosshaven Coast Guard unit said:

'This is our first call out of 2026 and had a very successful outcome. We thank the quick thinking Port Of Cork for initiating the call and the assistance of locals to get these boats safely back to secure moorings'.

'Remember as always if you see something or someone in difficulty or think they maybe in difficulty immediately dial 112/999 and ask for the Irish Coast Guard'.