Crosshaven RNLI rescue yachtsman after vessel ran aground in fog

A major search was mounted on the south coast between Crosshaven and Kinsale after a lone Yachtsman broadcast a Mayday call stating that he was on the rocks at ‘Little Sovereign Rock’.

Lifeboat pagers were activated at 20.07pm and Crosshaven and Kinsale RNLI, together with Crosshaven Coast Guard and the Rescue 117 helicopter, headed to the location.

Conditions were poor with a fog and 200 metres visibility. Kinsale RNLI found no trace of the yacht at the Sovereigns, while Crosshaven RNLI searched the shore from Robert's Head west. 

Crosshaven Coast Guard stood offshore as 'radio relay' to Valentia Coastguard until Crosshaven lifeboat crew located the vessel aground in Rocky Bay.

A volunteer lifeboat crew member then swam to the yacht with a towline and retrieved the yacht's anchor and line. The lifeboat crew worked together to refloat the yacht and tow it into deeper water.

The towing operationg was then handed over to Kinsale RNLI who brought it safely into Oysterhaven.