Baltimore lifeboat pulls vessel off rocks in fog

Baltimore RNLI launched in the early hours of this morning (Thursday), after a boat with three people on board ran aground in heavy fog near Baltimore.

 

The volunteer lifeboat crew were paged at 00.39am to launch the lifeboat and go to the assistance of a 50ft vessel with three people on board.  Sea conditions in the area were calm. However, visibility was poor due to fog that had descended at the time. 

 

The lifeboat, under the command of coxswain Kieran Cotter and with mechanic Cathal Cottrell and crew members Pat Collins, Kieran Collins, Don O'Donovan, Jerry Smith and Micheal Cottrell, proceeded to the area and reached the vessel within 15 minutes.  

After assessing the vessel's situation and checking the area around the vessel for any navigational hazards, a tow was established and the vessel was pulled clear.

 

There was no apparent damage to the vessel and no injuries to anyone on board, so the vessel made its own way to Baltimore harbour, escorted by the lifeboat.  They arrived at the pier at 1.20am and the lifeboat then returned to station.

 

Speaking following the call-out, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘With bad weather forecast for the next few days, we would remind everyone taking to the sea to respect the water. Always wear a lifejacket and always carry a means of calling or signalling for help.  If you get into difficulty at sea, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'