The all weather lifeboat was launched this morning 18 June, when reports were received that a yacht had been dismasted 5 nautical miles south of the Fastnet Rock. The hi-tech 21ft racing yacht has been competing in a race from France around the Fastnet and back when the top section of the mast broke. There were two men on board at the time. The racing yacht did not have an engine on board and had to call for assistance. Weather conditions were good.
The all weather lifeboat was launched shortly after 1am and proceeded in good weather conditions to give assistance. Simon Duggan went on board and assisted in taking down the mast and storing sails prior to establishing a tow. The lifeboat then towed the yacht reaching the safety of Baltimore Harbour at 5am.
On board were; Kieran Cotter Coxwain, Kieran Collins, Sean MacCarthy, Gerry Smith and Simon Duggan
The lifeboat was called out again within the hour when another distressed boat called for assistance – however the search was stood down later as the vessel was located near Courtmacsherry.