AN IRISH yachtsman who was sailing a newly-purchased boat from Britain back to Ireland has been dramatically rescued off the coastline of Cork.
The Coast Guard first became aware that the man was in trouble at approximately 4.20pm yesterday when they detected the activation of his personal locator beacon.
A Defence Forces spokesperson said the man’s boat was taking on water and sinking in “difficult sea conditions".
The crew of the LÉ James Joyce were conducting a routine patrol when they detected the man’s mayday alert 16 miles south-east of Roche’s Point in Co. Cork.
The LÉ James Joyce en route to the incident (Picture: Defence Forces)The Irish naval ship came to the man’s aid and began the difficult task of conducting a rescue effort in the choppy conditions.
A rigid hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) was launched to assist the stricken yachtsman before quickly rescuing him.
He was winched up on board the Waterford-based Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117 and taken to Cork University Hospital where he was treated for mild hypothermia.
The operation was completed by 6.30pm when the LÉ James Joyce resumed its duties.
The 26-year-old man was later airlifted to hospital (Picture: Defence Forces)A Coast Guard spokesperson said: “On arrival at the scene Rescue 117 coordinated with the James Joyce.
“It would appear that the man on board the yacht had no other communications facility other than the personal locator that was activated.
“We would like to compliment the navy for their assistance and for getting the man off the yacht.”
