26/07/2005

Baltimore Lifeboat investigates reported missing speedboat

Kayakers reported to a fishing boat in the area South of Castletownsend, that a white speedboat with 1 occupant on board had passed them and soon afterwards "disappeared". The fishing boat informed Valentia Coastguard who tasked the Baltimore lifeboat to investigate at 11:51.

Hilda Jarrett, the Tyne class all-weather lifeboat was launched at 12:00. Other rescue services were also involved in the search. A Coastguard RIB & helicopter, a fisheries plane, four fishing boats and numerous other craft arrived to assist.

The lifeboat assumed on-scene command, using two RIBS in the area to act as guard boats in the Stags Sound, as the tide was running in a Westerly direction. They then commenced an expanding square search.

After a period the search was broadened to include neighbouring harbours and inlets. A small speedboat South of Baltimore harbour was identified as the missing vessel, although the occupant had no idea that a search had been underway for him.

While returning to station the coastguard reported a vessel aground on rocks near Turk Head. The lifeboat went to investigate.

They found a Dutch registered yacht La Kathlina with four persons on board aground on rocks with a 15-20 degree list. The crew were all safe and well. The vessel was undamaged and would refloat on the rising tide. The lifeboat reported this to the Coastguard and was stood down. She was returned to station and made ready for service by 16:10.

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