BALTIMORE RNLI has paid tribute to long-serving lifeboat mechanic Cathal Cottrell, who is retiring after 38 years of service to the charity. 

Cathal’s connection to the RNLI goes back to his childhood when time spent with his father in the old lifeboat station first sparked his commitment to lifesaving. 

Uniquely, the Cottrell’s are the only family to have served on each class of lifeboat that has been at Baltimore RNLI since its inception.

Cathal’s father served as a full-time mechanic for the station for five years from 1983 to 1988, before retiring due to illness. 

Cathal’s grandfather was a coxswain for the station while his brothers Kevin, Micheál and Brendan have all volunteered over the years, with Micheál and Brendan still serving as longstanding crew members.

‘My first lasting memories I have of the RNLI is spending time at the station with my father,’ Cathal says, ‘I remember being freezing cold in the old boathouse in winter with the tiny storage heater in the corner. Things were definitely less advanced back then, but those memories have stuck with me more than anything.’

Cathal in younger years

During his service spanning almost four decades, Cathal has witnessed many changes in lifeboat operations and technology.

‘Things have certainly evolved since I started out,’ he reflected. ‘Crew comfort is the biggest one. Safety is a priority on the lifeboat, and you always feel secure responding to rescues.’

A proud member of the tight-knit Baltimore community, Cathal says the station has always supported the island communities.

‘We almost act as the ambulance for the islands such as Cape Clear where I know the people,’ he said. ‘I’ve been on call outs to rescue people I’ve known all my life. People really appreciate the lifeboat being there when they need it most.’

Cathal remembers his very first shout, a call out to the cargo ship Seaburn Girl, which had begun taking on water while transporting fertilizer: ‘Despite the challenges we were able to bring the crew safely into Baltimore Harbour,’ he recalled. ‘Some of the crew who were with me that day are still on the crew now. It just shows how much these people have given to their community over such a long period of time.’

Throughout his career, Cathal has travelled widely with the RNLI, supporting stations across Ireland and meeting people who share the same dedication as him. ‘It’s brought me places I’d never been before and to stations where I’ve met fantastic people. Bringing the Tamar class lifeboat over from Poole was a highlight — especially meeting the folks in Cornwall and Crosshaven who gave us such a huge welcome.’

Reflecting on the commitment required of RNLI volunteers, he added: ‘You do appreciate everyone who gives their time to the RNLI, whether that’s five minutes or ten years. In some ways the people around you, such as your family, volunteer their time as well.’

And he admitted: ‘Thirty eight years is a long stretch to have the pager always on your mind. Special thanks to my partner, Fidelma, for supporting me and thanks to my family for what they have given to the RNLI. I also want to thank the many Coxswains, mechanics, navigators, crew, launch authorities and fundraisers I’ve served with over 38 years, whose support allowed us to launch in all weathers and respond whenever we were needed.’

Baltimore RNLI Lifeboat operations manager Tom Bushe paid tribute to Cathal’s exceptional contribution. ‘Cathal has spent the last 38 years serving and protecting the seagoing community with professionalism, courage, and compassion,’ he said.

‘Throughout his career, he has been a trusted colleague, mentor, and friend to many within the RNLI and especially here in Baltimore. I would like to thank him sincerely for his outstanding service and wish him all the very best for the future.’