Courtmacsherry lifeboat was called out this evening to go to the aid of a 60-foot fishing boat with a crew of three that was sinking 20 miles off the Seven Heads in West Cork.
THE Courtmacsherry RNLI all-weather lifeboat was called out at 5.46pm this (Monday) evening to go to the aid of a 60-foot fishing boat with a crew of three that was sinking 20 miles off the Seven Heads coastline in West Cork.
The lifeboat, under coxswain Sean O’Farrell and a crew of five, launched immediately in response to the serious Mayday alert. In poor conditions and bad visibility, they reached the casualty at 6.40pm.
The fishing boat had been taking in water rapidly and the Naval vessel, LE Niamh, also took part in the rescue, as it was in the vicinity, while the Coast Guard helicopter was also tasked from Waterford.
The lifeboat succeeded in transferring its mobile pump and crew to the trawler in order to stem the intake of water into the boat. Pumps from the Naval vessel are being used as well.
The lifeboat took the stricken fishing vessel in tow and is heading at low speed for Union Hall with constant monitoring of the intake of water.
Conditions at sea this evening were very poor with strong winds, Force 6 to 7, and heavy swells in the area. The visibility is very poor due to low-lying fog.
The estimated time of arrival in Union Hall was 10.30pm.
*****
Click here to sign up to our mailing list and get the best of West Cork delivered straight to your inbox.