Union Hall RNLI launches after two kayakers reported overdue at Long Strand
Monday 14 September 2026
Union Hall RNLI was requested to launch its inshore lifeboat by the Irish Coast Guard at 6.23pm on Sunday, 13 September, following a report that two kayakers were overdue at Long Strand in West Cork.
The lifeboat, Christine and Raymond Fielding, launched at 6.33pm, helmed by Tim Forde and with crew members Ríona Casey, Annette Glanton and Aodh O’Donnell onboard.
On arrival at the scene, the lifeboat crew commenced a search for the kayakers, who were subsequently located fishing and were not in any immediate danger.
Conditions at sea at the time were calm, with south-westerly winds of three knots.
The lifeboat crew spoke with the two kayakers, who confirmed that they were happy to make their way back to shore unaided. Members of the Castlefreke Coast Guard unit were also on scene and assisted the kayakers back to shore.
The Union Hall RNLI lifeboat returned to the station at 7.39pm, where the crew were assisted ashore by Head Launcher John Kelleher, together with Colin McCarthy, Peter Deasy and Denis O’Donovan.
Following the callout, John Kelleher, Union Hall RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said:
“The two kayakers were safe and well when the lifeboat arrived, but we would like to commend the member of the public who raised the alarm when they were overdue, as that is always the right thing to do.
“We would encourage anyone planning a trip to sea to go prepared. Always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity, always carry a means of communication such as a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, check the weather and tides and wear suitable clothing.
“Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
