Rescuers save 11 in two dramatic Cork sea operations hours apart

01 Aug, 2025

Lifeboat crews from Courtmacsherry and Kinsale respond to emergency beacons and back-to-back callouts within hours

Two people had to be rescued in the early hours of Friday morning after their yacht ran into trouble off the coast of Cork.

The Courtmacsherry all-weather lifeboat was called out to the Old Head of Kinsale at 3.40am to assist a 40-foot yacht taking on water about 21 miles south of the coast.

The vessel had lost all power and was struggling in rough sea conditions.

The lifeboat, under coxswain Ken Cashman and a crew of five, launched within 13 minutes and reached the scene by 5am.

They quickly located the disabled yacht and immediately took it in tow, ensuring that water was being pumped out to prevent sinking.

An 85-foot fishing boat nearby also assisted.

With the yacht in tow and its water intake monitored, the crew slowly towed it back to Courtmacsherry.

Both vessels arrived safely at Courtmacsherry Pier at 9:30 a.m.

The yacht, which was en route from France to Ireland, was in danger of sinking when the alert was raised.

Station voluntary operations manager Brian O’Dwyer said: “It was great to have 16 of our Lifeboat crew and officers arrive so quickly from their beds early this morning to partake in a dramatic rescue that was activated by the success of an EPIRB (emergency position indicating radio beacon) being set off at sea which alerted the authorities”.

The Courtmacsherry rescue came just hours after Kinsale RNLI responded to back-to-back callouts, rescuing nine people.

Back-to-back rescues for Kinsale RNLI

The volunteer crew was first requested to launch their inshore lifeboat by the Irish Coast Guard at 12.16pm after reports of a person in the water near the popular Scilly Walkway.

The lifeboat, helmed by Nick Searls, launched and reached the scene quickly.

A person had entered the water from their rowboat, while another remained onboard.

Once on scene, the crew assessed the situation and noted the person could not get out unaided. They rescued the individual, brought them onboard, and conducted a casualty care check to ensure they were safe and well.

With the person safe and in good spirits, they were returned to their boat, where they had dry clothes to change into.

The lifeboat had just returned, been washed and refuelled, and the crew were heading back to their day jobs when another alert came in at 12.57pm.

This time, an 18-foot boat with seven people aboard had encountered difficulty at the mouth of Kinsale Harbour.

On arrival, the crew found all were safe, but the boat could not continue its journey safely, so they decided to tow it back to Castlepark Marina, the nearest safe port.

Speaking after the call outs, Kinsale RNLI crew member John Walley said: “Like all the people onboard both boats today, we would encourage anyone planning a trip to sea to always wear a lifejacket or suitable personal floatation device for your activity and make sure it is fit for purpose and correctly maintained. Also make sure you are wearing suitable clothing for the forecasted weather.

“As we approach the busy August Bank Holiday weekend, with increased visitors in the town and on the water for the Kinsale Regatta, we are urging everyone to enjoy themselves but to think safety first. 

“We would ask swimmers and particularly those who may be visiting the area to learn the warning signs, read local safety notices and seek advice before entering the water. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”