Crosshaven RNLI Assists Disabled Yacht in Darkness off Cork Harbour
- Pat Nolan
- Jun 3
- 1 min read
Wednesday 3 June
CROSSHAVEN, Co Cork - Crosshaven RNLI volunteers were launched late on Tuesday night to assist a yacht with a disabled engine as it approached Cork Harbour after taking part in a two-handed race from the UK.
At approximately 8pm on Tuesday, 2 June, Valentia Coast Guard requested that Crosshaven RNLI lifeboat stand by for a yacht which may require assistance after suffering engine failure. The vessel was participating in a two-handed offshore race from the United Kingdom and was making slow progress towards Cork Harbour.
Shortly after 10pm, the lifeboat launched under the command of James Fegan, with crew members Georgia Keating, Conor Barry and Michael Livingstone on board, to rendezvous with the casualty vessel.
The yacht was encountering challenging conditions, battling a westerly wind and a strong ebb tide which significantly hampered its progress. As the vessel approached Roches Point in darkness and entered commercial navigational channels, it was deemed safest to establish a tow for the final leg of the journey to Crosshaven Boatyard.
The lifeboat successfully escorted the yacht to safety before returning to station shortly after midnight. Following refuelling and a full washdown, the crew declared the lifeboat ready for service again at 12:30am.
Shore crew supporting the operation were Darren O'Keeffe, Alan Venner, Kline Pennefather and Griff Kelleher. The Launch Authority for the callout was Hugh Mockler.
Anyone experiencing difficulties at sea should seek assistance early by contacting the Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 or by dialling 112 or 999 and asking for the Coast Guard.
