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Dec 26, 2023

Major sea rescue operation off Cork coast after fishing trawler smashes into rocks causing damages to hull

A MAJOR sea rescue was launched after a fishing trawler got struck on rocks off the coast of Cork.

The French registered vessel - freshly loaded with diesel - was just an hour out of Castletownbere when the alarm was raised shortly after 2.30pm this afternoon.

The 32 metre trawler, with a 14-strong mainly Spanish crew, had just delivered her catch when she struck submerged rocks on the southern tip of Dursey Island.

It's understood the collision with the rocks caused a number of holes to appear in the hull.

The skipper of the Grand St Bernard sent out the call for help shortly after 2.30pm.

Castletownbere RNLI lifeboat and the Coastguard helicopter from Shannon arrived quickly at the scene and are on standby there.

Irish fishing vessels also responded to the alert, including the Girl Jane from Castletownbere and The Bere Island tugboat, Ocean Bank.

Nine crew members, who were regarded as non-essential to getting the boat off the rocks were airlifted by the helicopter and taken to safety.

The skipper with four other crew members remained on board the trawler.

After an experienced crew assessed the situation the ship was successfully refloated and was able to steam under its own power.

It returned to Castletownbere for a full check before setting out to the fishing grounds again.

The trawler, built over 30 years ago, is a regular visitor to Castletownbere and it has been fishing along the South coast for decades.

This latest rescue comes after two crew members and a group of ten passengers where rescued in Cork last month.

The operation on May 19 was needed when the boat they were travelling on developed engine failure east of Ballycotton lighthouse.

The RNLI's all-weather lifeboat, The Austin Lidbury, launched after the alarm was raised by the skipper.

The passenger boat had gotten into difficulty and was at risk of getting pushed onto the rocks.

Sea conditions were calm, with a very light northerly wind. However, the passenger boat began drifting towards the rocks.

The crew from Ballycotton RNLI quickly launched and, within minutes, were able to locate the stricken boat.

After assessing the situation and confirming everyone on board was safe and well, a secure tow line was established, and they were able to return the boat and its passengers to the safety of Ballycotton Harbour by 11.15am.

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