Service Calls for 2005
All service reports are listed with the most recent at the top of the page
22/05 04/12/05 Remoored: 23:00 Weather: NW 2 / 4 Vis. Good Sea: Moderate Crew: Eolan Walsh (Cox), Michael Lane Walsh, Peter O'Shea, Niall Hassett, Michael Hallahan, Diarmuid Walsh, Máire Scanlon, Francis McMahon
A local member of the public contacted the emergency services of a sighting of a flare off Ballyandreen, west of Ballycotton. The lifeboat, Austin Lidbury, was launched to investigate. A thorough search of the area was carried out but nothing found. The lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.
21/05 28/11/05 Remoored: 7:15 Weather: SW 2 / 3 Vis. Good Sea: Slight Crew: Ian Sheridan (Cox), Michael Lane Walsh, Redmond Lane Walsh, Máire Scanlon, Niall Hassett. Philip McNamara
Launched to the assistance of a 22 metre vessel, 25 miles south of Ballycotton with a fouled propellor. The Austin Lidbury slipped her moorings at 05:25 and proceeded to the scene. When they were 12 miles from station they were advised that the vessel had freed its propellor and were under steam again. The lifeboat was stood down and returned to station at 06:40.
20/05 07/11/05 Remoored: 13:45 Weather: SW F. 9 Vis. Poor Sea: Very Rough Crew: Ian Sheridan (Cox), Michael Lane Walsh, Redmond Lane Walsh, Eolan Walsh, Máire Scanlon, Niall Hassett
The conditions were very rough when a member of the public on the north side of Ballycotton Bay was observing a fishing boat. He thought the boat wasn't moving and may be in difficulties. He alerted the Coastguard who activated the lifeboat pagers in Ballycotton. The Austin Lidbury slipped her moorings and proceeded to investigate. When they reached the Kate Marie the lifeboat was advised that they were hauling pots and did not require assistance. The lifeboat proceeded to Knockadoon to ensure there was no other vessel in the vicinity. The lifeboat, having satisfied themselves there was no-one in difficulties, returned to station. The Austin Lidbury was remoored and ready for service again at 13:45.
19/05 23/10/05 Remoored: 13:30 Weather: SW F.3 Vis. Good Sea: Calm Crew: Ian Sheridan (Cox), Michael Lane Walsh, Redmond Lane Walsh, Aidan Sliney, Peter O'Shea
Received a report of a possible missing jet ski. A trailer was found in Ardnahinch and had been unattended for two hours. The Coastguard reported a possible sighting in Ballycotton Bay. The Ballycotton Lifeboat, Austin Lidbury, was launched to investigate and lend assistance, if required. They found a dingy with two foreign nationals fishing who confirmed it was their trailer at Ardnahinch and they were in no difficulty. Ballycotton Lifeboat returned to station.
18/05 14/10/05 Remoored: 22:00 Weather: SE 4 / 5 Vis. Poor Sea: Rough Crew: Ian Sheridan (Cox), Michael Lane Walsh, Redmond Lane Walsh, Eolan Walsh, Peter O'Shea, Niall Hassett, Padraig Finn
Received an urgent request to lend assistance to Crosshaven Lifeboat, who were in difficulties in Cork Harbour. The Ballycotton Lifeboat, Austin Lidbury, was recalled 15 minutes after launch as the emergency had been resolved and Crosshaven Lifeboat were on their way back to station.
17/05 28/07/05 Remoored: 16:30 Weather: N/NW F. 3 - 4 Vis. Good Sea: slight Crew: Ian Sheridan (Cox), Michael Lane Walsh, Redmond Lane Walsh, Máire Scanlon, Niall Hassett, Francis McMahon
Valentia Coastguard Station contacted the lifeboat station to advise they had received a report from a passing vessel of a dingy 7 miles south of Ballycotton. They were unsure if there were any persons on board. The Ballycotton Lifeboat, Austin Lidbury, was launched and carried out a parallel search . A dead upturned whale was found 14 miles off Ballycotton, which would resemble a dark coloured dingy from a distance. The lifeboat reported the find to the Coastguard and returned to station. The lifeboat was refueled and ready for service again at 16:30.
16/05 19/07/05 Rehoused: 15:30 Weather: N F. 1 Vis. Good Sea: Calm Crew: Niall Hassett & Herbert Turner (Relief mechanic from Achill Island Lifeboat Station)
The lifeboat station were advised that there was a person in difficulties in Ballycotton Bay, below the Bay View Hotel. The boarding boat was launched at 14:45 to investigate but only found a canoeist in the vicinity, enjoying the activity. The boarding boat was rehoused again at 15:30.
15/05 12/07/05 Remoored: 14:45 Weather: Calm Vis. Good Sea: Calm Crew: Ian Sheridan (Cox), Redmond Lane Walsh, Eolan Walsh, Niall Hassett, Orla Lynch, Brian McNamara
Whilst refuelling after being at sea for the past 14 1/2 hours the Lifeboat Station received a call from a local fishing vessel, Crystal Star, advising that they were experiencing engine problems. The 36 foot vessel confirmed they were in no immediate danger and the lifeboat finished refuelling. The Austin Lidbury left the harbour at 13:55, heading east towards the Crystal Star. They arrived at the casualty at 14:10, established a tow and headed for Ballycotton, 2 1/2 miles away. The fishing vessel were experiencing steering difficulties, but the lifeboat succeeded in safely securing it to the pier wall. The Austin Lidbury was ready for service again at 14:45.
14/05 11/07/05 Weather: Calm Vis. Good Sea: Slight Crew: Ian Sheridan (Cox), Redmond Lane Walsh, Máire Scanlon, Eolan Walsh, Peter O'Shea, Niall Hassett, Brian McNamara
Launched at 23:35 to the assistance of the MFV Resplendent. The 70 foot fishing vessel, with 5 people on board, reported that it had fouled its propellor 57 miles south of Ballycotton. The Austin Lidbury slipped her moorings and proceeded to the casualty, ETA 02:20. A towline was established and the stricken vessel was taken in tow to Ballycotton, at a rate of 5 knots. The MFV Resplendent was safely maneuvered alongside the pier wall at 12:45 the following day. The Austin Lidbury was refueled and ready for service again at 13:55, having been at sea for 14 1/2 hours.
13/05 11/07/05 Remoored: 21:45 Weather: Calm Vis. Good Sea: Calm Crew: Ian Sheridan (Cox), Redmond Lane Walsh, Brian McNamara, Niall Hassett, Eolan Walsh
Lifeboat Cox & Mechanic overheard a radio conversation between the fishing vessel Inishmore and Cork Coastguard Radio that the pleasure craft, Spirit, with 6 people on board, was in need of assistance south of Poer Head. Ballycotton Lifeboat Station contacted Cork Coastguard to see if they could be of assistance and the pagers were activated at 16:28 by the Coastguard. The Austin Lidbury slipped her moorings at 16:36. They arrived at the scene at 16:55 and placed a crewmember on board. The owner of the pleasure craft remained on board with the lifeboat crewmember and the remaining passengers were taken aboard the lifeboat. A towline was attached and the pleasure craft was taken to Monkstown, where it was safely moored. The Austin Lidbury returned to station, refueled and was ready for service again at 21:45.
12/05 12/07/05 Rehoused: 19:20 Weather: Calm Vis. Good Sea: Calm Crew Ian Sheridan, Peter O'Shea
Crewmember, Peter O'Shea, contacted Cox. Ian Sheridan to advise of 2 people struggling to swim ashore from the small island, off Ballycotton. It was observed that on several occasions the couple would try to swim towards the shore, get tired and return to the small island again. Contact was made with the LOM, John Tattan, who contacted the Coastguard and it was suggested that the Station boarding boat be launched to their assistance. The boarding boat was launched with Ian Sheridan and Peter O'Shea on board. They proceeded to the casualties, who by then were waving and shouting and seeking assistance. The female swimmer was assisted from the water into the boarding boat first, followed by the male swimmer. The 2 swimmers were landed ashore at Ballycotton pier and the boarding boat was rehoused and ready for service again at 19:20.
11/05 09/07/05 Remoored: 18:15 Weather: Calm Vis: Good Sea: Calm Crew: Ian Sheridan (Cox), Redmond Lane Walsh, Mike Hallahan, Orla Lynch, Orla McLeod, Brian McNamara, Niall Hassett
37 foot fishing vessel, Kingfisher, contacted the Coastguard to seek assistance, advising them that discarded nets became entangled on his own trawl and whilst hauling in his own net they fouled his propellor. Valentia Coastguard activated the Ballycotton pagers at 13:14 and the crew assembled at the boathouse. The Austin Lidbury slipped her moorings at 13:25 and proceeded to the stricken vessel, 12 miles east of Ballycotton. The lifeboat arrived at the scene at 13:50 and secured a tow line to the Kingfisher. The casualty was towed to Ballycotton, arriving at 17:45, where it was safely secured alongside the pier wall. The Austin Lidbury was remoored and ready for service again at 18:15.
10/05 26/06/05 Remoored: 18:15 Weather: Variable 2 Vis. Good Sea: Calm Crew: Ian Sheridan (Cox), Michael Lane Walsh, Redmond Lane Walsh, Peter O'Shea, Niall Hassett, Máire Scanlon, Aidan Sliney, Brian McNamara
The owner of an 18 foot pleasure craft alerted a local angler by mobile phone that he had lost all power 3 1/2 miles East North East of Ballycotton. Pagers were activated at 17:06 and the Ballycotton Lifeboat, Austin Lidbury, proceeded to the scene, arriving at 17:21. A lifeboat crewmember went aboard the pleasure craft and a tow line was established. The boat was taken under tow to Ballycotton, where it was safely secured alongside the pier wall. The Austin Lidbury was remoored and ready for service again at 18:15.
09/05 21/06/05 Remoored: 10:50 Weather: SW 3 Vis. Good Sea: Calm Crew: Ian Sheridan (Cox), Michael Lane Walsh, Aidan Sliney, Máire Scanlon, Francis McMahon
The 36 foot fishing boat, Kate Marie, ran into difficulties 2 1/2 miles south west of Ballycotton Lighthouse. The pagers were activated at 9:30 and the Austin Lidbury slipped her moorings at 9:40 and proceeded to her assistance. A tow line was established and the Kate Marie was towed to Ballycotton, arriving at 10:40. The fishing vessel was safely secured alongside the pier wall. The Austin Lidbury was remoored and ready for service again at 10:50.
08/05 19/06/05 Boarding Boat recovered: 02:57 Vis. Good Sea: Calm Crew: Sean O'Farrell (Cox), Michael Lane Walsh, Redmond Lane Walsh, Peter O'Shea, Aidan Sliney, Stephen Connolly, Máire Scanlon, Brian McNamara, Francis McMahon, Niall Hassett
Alarm was raised that there was a swimmer in difficulties off Ballycotton Pier. Pagers were activated at 2:08 and the boarding boat was launched to lend assistance. The swimmer was in the process of being helped ashore and the boarding boat stood by until the all clear was given. Boarding boat recovered at 2:57.
07/05 04/06/05 Remoored: 13:40 Weather: SW F 4 / 5 Vis. Good Sea: Moderate Crew: Ian Sheridan (Cox), Peter O'Shea, Máire Scanlon, Brian Motyer, Redmond Lane Walsh, Niall Hassett
Whilst returning from the Ocean and River festival in Cork Harbour received a call for assistance from the fishing vessel, Sailor's Guide. The 32 ft fishing vessel had taken a rope on its propellor 2 1/2 miles south west of Ballycotton Lighthouse. Proceeded to the scene, attached a tow line and headed back for Ballycotton. The fishing vessel was safely secured alongside the pier wall at 13:15. The Austin Lidbury was refueled and ready for service again at 13:40.
06/05 03/05/05 Launch: 21:05 Remoored: 00:00 Weather: F4 / 5 NW Vis. Good Sea: Moderate Crew: Ian Sheridan (Cox), Michael Lane Walsh, Brian Motyer, Redmond Lane Walsh, Francis McMahon, Peter O'Shea, Eolan Walsh
Shortly after 20:20 Ballycotton Lifeboat Station became aware of difficulties being experienced by the yacht, Osprey. The 40 foot yacht, out of Maldon in southern England, had lost power 8 miles south east of Roches Point. They were hoisting their sail and heading for Cork harbour when contact was lost. It was decided to task the Ballycotton lifeboat to their assistance. The lifeboat pager system was activated at 20:50 and the Ballycotton Lifeboat, Austin Lidbury, slipped her moorings at 21:05. When they arrived at the scene a lifeboat crewmember went aboard the yacht and a towline was established. The yacht was towed to Ballycotton, arriving at 23:25, where it was safely secured alongside the pier wall. The Austin Lidbury was refueled and ready for service again at 00:00.
05/05 03/05/05 Launch: 6:05 Remoored: 10:00 Weather: F3 / 4 NW Vis. Good Sea: Moderate Crew: Ian Sheridan (Cox), Michael Lane Walsh, Padraig Finn, Redmond Lane Walsh, Máire Scanlon, Brian Motyer
At 5:45 the pager system was activated to launch the Ballycotton Lifeboat, Austin Lidbury. The fishing vessel, Paulona, was in difficulties 16 miles south of Ballycotton and in need of assistance. At 6:02 the Austin Lidbury slipped her moorings and proceeded to the stricken vessel, with 3 fishermen aboard. With gear wrapped on her propellor the Paulona was unable to return to harbour unaided. The Austin Lidbury established a towline and proceeded back to Ballycotton, arriving at 9:25. The Paulona was safely secured alongside the pier wall. The Austin Lidbury was refueled and ready for service again at 10:00.
04/05 15/03/05 Launch: 22:07 Remoored: 00:50 Weather: F 5/6 SSW Vis. Moderate/Poor Sea: Moderate Crew: Redmond Lane Walsh (Cox), Michael Lane Walsh, Peter O'Shea, Padraig Finn, Pat O'Donovan, Eolan Walsh, Francis McMahon, Orla Lynch
There were reports of flares sighted by a member of the public in the Youghal Bay area. Ballycotton and Youghal Lifeboats were both tasked to search the area. Coastguard units from Youghal and Ardmore searched along the seashore. A thorough search of the area between Capel Island and Ardmore was carried out by both lifeboats under the co-ordination of Mine Head Coastguard. Parachute flares were used to illuminate the area but nothing was found. The search was called off at midnight and rescue units were stood down. Ballycotton Lifeboat, Austin Lidbury, returned to station, was refueled and ready for service again at 00:50.
03/05 07/03/05 Launch: 15:05 Remoored: 18:15 Weather: F 3 / 4 NW Vis. Good Sea: Slight Crew: Redmond Lane Walsh (Cox), Michael Lane Walsh, Peter O'Shea, Máire Scanlon, Laura McLeod, Richard Walsh
Launched to the assistance of the pleasure craft, Skua, with two people aboard. The 20 foot pleasure craft had launched earlier from Guileen on a fishing trip. They experienced engine problems 11 1/2 miles south south east of Ballycotton lighthouse and requested assistance. The coastguard activated the pager system at 14:50 and the crew assembled at the boathouse. At 15:05 the Austin Lidbury slipped her moorings and proceeded to the casualty, arriving at 15:40. A tow line was established and the Skua was towed to Ballycotton harbour, arriving at 17:40, where it was secured safely alongside the pier wall. The Austin Lidbury was refueled and ready for service again at 18:15.
02/05 29/01/05 Launch: 3:45 Remoored: 10:15 Weather: F 4/5 NNE Vis. Good Sea: Moderate Crew: Redmond Lane Walsh (Cox), Michael Lane Walsh, Peter O'Shea, Orla Lynch, Padraig Finn, Eolan Walsh
Launched to the assistance of the Lady Hesan, taking water 25 miles south of Ballycotton. The 82 metre cargo vessel, with 8 people aboard, was starting to list slightly, their pumps unable to control the intake of water. Immediate assistance was requested and Rescue Helicopter 117 and the Ballycotton Lifeboat, Austin Lidbury, were tasked to the scene. The helicopter dropped their own salvage pump aboard the Lady Hesan and the salvage pump from the Ballycotton Lifeboat. The cargo vessel headed for Cork Harbour, making 8 knots, escorted by the Ballycotton Lifeboat. The helicopter stood by until he had to break away to refuel, 3 miles from Roches Point. They were met at the entrance of Cork Harbour by a pilot boat and the Harbour Master. The Lady Hesan was escorted to the deep water quay in Cobh by the Austin Lidbury and with the assistance of the tugboat Gerry O'Sullivan arriving there at 7:30. The Ballycotton Lifeboat retrieved its salvage pump and returned to station. The Austin Lidbury was refueled and ready for service again at 10:15.
01/05 22/01/2005 Launch: 21:45 Remoored 23:15 Weather: F 6 NE Vis Good Sea Moderate Crew: Ian Sheridan (Cox), Michael Lane Walsh, Redmond Lane Walsh, Peter O'Shea, Máire Scanlon, Niall O'Keeffe, Orla Lynch, Francis McMahon
Launched to the assistance of the MFV Alize, with engine failure in Ballycotton Bay. The 40 ft beam trawler had a beam lowered and they were unable to raise it, due to the lack of power. A lifeboat crewmember went aboard the beam trawler with a chain block and helped to raise the beam. A towline was then attached to the fishing vessel and Ballycotton lifeboat proceeded to tow her into harbour. The lifeboat then maneuvered the MFV Alize alongside the pier wall and secured the vessel. The "Austin Lidbury" was remoored and ready for service again at 23:15.
