Baltimore RNLI crew secures fishing vessel's anchor off Sherkin Island

Baltimore RNLI was launched on Friday evening during Storm Hannah to assist a fishing trawler near Sherkin Island, West Cork.

 The volunteer lifeboat crew launched their all-weather lifeboat at 8.30pm after learning of a local fishing trawler that was dragging its anchor. The 26.2m trawler, which was at anchor under Sherkin to shelter from Storm Hannah, was dragging due to high winds.

The Baltimore all-weather lifeboat arrived on scene at 8.43pm and transferred four extra crew aboard the trawler. Once they were satisfied that the casualty vessel was back at safe anchor the lifeboat returned to the station in Baltimore, arriving at 9.11pm.

 There were seven volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat, Coxswain Kieran Cotter, Mechanic Cathal Cottrell and crew members Pat Collins, Aidan Bushe, Davey Ryan, Jerry Smith and Kieran Collins.  Assisting at the boathouse in Baltimore were Micheal Cottrell, Brian MacSweeney and Rianne Smith. Conditions at sea during the call out were very rough with force 10 winds gusting to force 11, and a 2m sea swell within the harbour.

Speaking following the call out, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, said: ‘Sea conditions will remain rough over the next few days, so exercise caution in particular along the coastline. If you get into trouble or see anyone in difficulty at sea or along the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’