Baltimore Lifeboat searches for reported yacht adrift

Valentia Coastguard notified the Baltimore Lifeboat station at 15:55 of a report from Goleen concerning a yacht adrift in the vicinity of the Fastnet Sound. The signal was given to launch the lifeboat at 19:03 and the Hilda Jarrett was launched at 19:08.

As the wind would set the vessel southwards through the Fastnet Sound, the coxswain proceeded south around Cape Clear.

South of the Gascannane Sound a yacht was seen rounding the end of Cape Clear and proceeded to enter South Harbour under power. The Lifeboat closed with a yacht that was found to be the "Petit Coeur". The coxswain enquired where they had come from and if they had seen any other vessel in the Fastnet Sound.

The Vessel had come from Crookhaven under power. As the land up near Goleen was hazy, and the yacht was traveling at an oblique angle from Crookhaven to Cape Clear, it could appear to an observer that a vessel was drifting along.

The Lifeboat proceeded to the West of Cape and headed North in a further search of the area. Enquiries were made of a trawler as to other vessels in the area. The trawler had sighted none.

The coxswain spoke to the shore party that had made the initial report and was informed that the yacht had "turned the corner some time ago".

As no other vessel was found, the coxswain consulted Valentia Coastguard and they agreed that the French yacht previously sighted was the suspected casualty. As they were not in trouble, the Lifeboat was stood down, returned to base and was ready for service again at 21:00

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