The Castletownbere RNLI lifeboat was launched this afternoon to assist a rib that experienced an engine fire just off Ardnakinna Lighthouse in West Cork.
The lifeboat ‘Annette Hutton’ was paged at 2pm and launched minutes later.
It arrived on the scene twelve minutes later, about a kilometre outside the harbour’s mouth.
Conditions were blustery with a Force 6/7 westerly wind and a three-metre swell.
At this stage the boat skipper had quenched the engine and all people on board were calm.
The lifeboat immediately took the rib in tow with six persons on board.
Once the lifeboat was within the calmer waters of Berehaven Harbour, the passengers were taken aboard the lifeboat and the rib towed alongside.
All persons were safe and well. The lifeboat returned to Castletownbere and the rib was berthed and the passengers went ashore.
The lifeboat and its crew took just 11 minutes to get to the rib
The lifeboat was under the command of Deputy Coxswain Sean Bawn O’Sullivan, with mechanic Donagh Murphy and Coxswain Joe O’Sullivan, crew Joe Cronin, Seamus Harrington, Dave O’Donovan and William O’Driscoll.
The owner of the boat, Paul O’Shea, expressed his gratitude: “From the time I called Coast Guard for help, Castletownbere lifeboat came into view within 11 minutes.
“I am very grateful to the crew for their speedy response and the professional manner in which they provided assistance.”
The Lifeboat Launching Authority, Brendan O’Neill said: “The skipper made the right call by contacting the Coast Guard immediately, which meant that the lifeboat could launch and rescue the boat before conditions deteriorated.”