Whilst on exercise on Sunday 6th December, Crosshaven volunteer RNLI Lifeboat happened upon 9 (nine) people floundering in the water at Lough Mahon in the upper Cork harbour area. The nine people in the water were the cox’n and 8 rowers from the UCC Rowing club. Conditions in Lough Mahon were described as rough with a westerly Force 7 wind blowing which swamped the Rowing boat causing it to partially sink and throw the crewinto the water. The UCC boat had a small safety boat with them, which was struggling to help the rowers. The Lifeboat plucked all
the rowers to safety and administered first Aid for Hypothermia and Shock, before taking them to the Shandon boat club for hot showers and drinks. After making sure everybody was in no further need of medical assistance,the Lifeboat returned to station in Crosshaven. It is believed the rowers were in the cold water for 20 minutes before the arrival of the RNLI Lifeboat. This incident shows the need for everybody using the sea to carry a VHF radio and flares
for use in cases of emergency. If the Lifeboat had not been out on exercise in that particular area and not happened upon the incident, the outcome may have had more serious consequences. This brings the number of services for Crosshaven Volunteer RNLI Lifeboat to 45 this Year.
