The Irish Coast Guard has said that a fixed-wing aircraft assisting in the search for a solo sailor participating in the OSAR transatlantic race last weekend was despatched by the British authorities.
It was responding to queries about whether the Air Corps had been considered for top cover in the multi-agency rescue, which involved a 14-hour-long mission for the RNLI Achill lifeboat as Afloat reported here.
The Defence Forces press office has confirmed that no request was received for the Air Corps to assist in the operation, which began on Saturday morning last when MRCC Dublin received a request to assist in locating the yacht, Cariberia.
The Air Corps had a fixed-wing aircraft available, and would have been able to respond if requested, the Defence Forces press office said.
The yacht with one sailor on board was competing in the OSTAR race from Plymouth in Britain to Newport Rhode in north America.
In a statement on behalf of the Irish Coast Guard, the Department of Transport said that the vessel’s last known position was approximately 175 nautical miles northwest of Downpatrick Head in Co Antrim.
“Shortly thereafter the vessel indicated an intention to return to the UK,” the statement said.
“Subsequently all contact was lost with the vessel. MRCC Dublin requested a communication search [should] be initiated by MRSC Malin Head as it was suspected the vessel could be off the northwest coast of Ireland,” it said.
“MRSC Malin Head commenced the communication search on medium frequency 2182khz, VHF Ch16, Navtex and by trying to contact the vessel by mobile phone,” it said.
“A UK Coastguard fixed wing aircraft R99 was also despatched by UK authorities to assist in the search,” it said.
“ On Sunday, the aircraft spotted the vessel approximately 32 nautical miles west of Achill Island, Co Mayo, and MRSC Malin Head tasked R118 from Sligo along with Achill island lifeboat,” it said.
“R118 made contact with the skipper who advised that the vessel had lost all power. The Achill island lifeboat proceeded to the vessel's position and secured a tow line,” it said.
The lifeboat towed the vessel overnight to Clare Island, Co Mayo, arriving safely on Monday morning shortly before 9 am, and the yachtsman was reported to be in “good spirits” after his ordeal.
The Achill Trent class lifeboat with coxswain Dave Curtis included mechanic Michael Cattigan, Terry Hogarth, Ken Quinn, Ivan Swarbrigg, Stephen McGreal and Thomas Ruddy on board.
Winds were northwesterly winds with force of three to four sea conditions which began to calm during late morning, according to the RNLI.