Monday 7^th September 2004 : 4.30. p.m.

Lucky Escape for Yacht Skipper

A British yachtsman, who was swept off a 28’ charter yacht, was saved in a dramatic rescue off the West Cork Coast today.

A major sea alert arose this morning when the skipper of a U.K. chartered yacht was swept into the water this morning off Adrigole in Bantry Bay . The yacht “Celtic Aura” had just started her voyage from Glengarriff with three American passengers when the accident happened at just before midday . Once a “mayday” had been issued, Castletownbere Lifeboat, naval vessel L.E. Orla, Bantry Inshore Rescue Boat, and local fishing vessel Celtic Dawn all rushed to the scene. The persons on board the yacht were unable to assist the skipper in the water as the yacht moved further and further away from him.

Fortunately, the F.V. Celtic Dawn was able to retrieve the yachtsman from the water and he was put aboard the L.E. Orla for urgent medical attention. He was immediately brought to Castletownbere to an awaiting ambulance. He was moved to Bantry Hospital where his condition is described as “comfortable” this afternoon.

Castletownbere Lifeboat, under Coxswain B. O’Driscoll, and crew M. O’Donoghue, P. Stevens, M. Cronin, and M. Murphy, located the yacht and put two crew members on board to assist the three American holidaymakers. Two naval personnel also assisted. The yacht was brought under control and taken in tow to Laurance Cove Marina in Bere Island . Castletownbere Lifeboat was back on station by 2.55 p.m.

ENDS

Monday 7^th September 2004 : 4.30. p.m.