DEMASTED SAILING BOAT RESCUED IN GALE

 PRESS RELEASE 27.05.02. 11.00 a.m.

Securing Tow line to vessel - photo taken by Lifeboat crew-member Marnie O'Donoghue

A 96 foot German owned sailing vessel was rescued off the South West Coast yester evening in gale force conditions. The Vessel with ten persons on board, sailed from Palma, Majorca a few weeks ago and was cruising around Ireland.

  The “Flying Magic” was five miles south west of Dursey Island on the Beara Peninsula when it ran into difficult weather conditions. The 5 metre swell and winds of 40-50 knots caused the boat’s 38 metre tall mast to snap and come crashing down on the deck smashing wheelhouse windows and disabling some of the vessel’s electronic equipment. Fortunately the vessel was carrying a hand-held V.H.F. radio and was able to raise the alarm with Valentia Coastguard Radio.

  Castletownbere Lifeboat was launched at 4.30 under Deputy Coxswain Michael Martin Sullivan and crew B. Gonnelly, M. Martin Sullivan Jnr, W. Russel, P. O’Conor, J.T. O’Sullivan and M. O’Donoghue and was on scene within an hour. Conditions were poor and in 4 – 5 metre swell and northwesterly gusting winds, the lifeboat took the sailing boat in tow. The tow back to Castletownbere was slow as the lifeboat could only proceed  at a speed of three knots because the “Flying Magic’s” mast, rigging and sails were trailing in the water.

  The Lifeboat finally arrived in Castletownbere at 10.15. and left the sailing vessel at safe anchorage, and brought one injured Danish crewman ashore. He was then brought to Castletownbere Hospital where he was given medical attention. Castletownbere lifeboat was refuelled and ready for service by 10.56 p.m.

Ends.

Enquiries to Paul Stevens 086 6015110 - Hon. Press Officer - Castletownbere Lifeboat Station.

Lifeboat towing 'Flying Magic' to shelter in CTBere Harbour
Photo taken by Lifeboat Crew Member & Press Officer Paul Stevens
from the shoreline - at 10.00 pm when light was fading.