RNLI hero lays pager down after 38 years
A West Cork RNLI station has paid tribute to a long‑serving lifeboat mechanic who is retiring after 38 years of service to the charity.
Cathal Cottrell’s connection to the Baltimore RNLI goes back to his childhood when time spent with his father in the old lifeboat station first sparked his commitment to lifesaving.
Uniquely, the Cottrells are the only family to have served on each class of lifeboat that has been at Baltimore RNLI since its inception. Cathal’s father served as a full time mechanic for the station for five years from 1983 to 1988, before retiring due to illness. Cathal’s grandfather was a coxswain for the station while his brothers Kevin, Micheál, and Brendan have all volunteered over the years, with Micheál and Brendan still serving as longstanding crew members.
Cathal recalls: “My first lasting memories I have of the RNLI is spending time at the station with my father. I remember being freezing cold in the old boathouse in winter with the tiny storage heater in the corner. Things were definitely less advanced back then, but those memories have stuck with me more than anything.”
Over nearly four decades, Cathal has witnessed many changes in lifeboat operations and technology.
“Things have certainly evolved since I started out. Crew comfort is the biggest one. Safety is a priority on the lifeboat, and you always feel secure responding to rescues,” he says.
A proud member of the tight‑knit Baltimore community, Cathal says the station has always supported the island communities.
“We almost act as the ambulance for the islands such as Cape Clear Island where I know the people. I’ve been on call outs to rescue people I’ve known all my life. People really appreciate the lifeboat being there when they need it most,” says Cathal.
Cathal remembers his very first shout, a call out to the cargo ship Seaburn Girl, which had begun taking on water while transporting fertilizer:
He recalls: “Despite the challenges, we were able to bring the crew on board safely into Baltimore Harbour. Some of the crew who were with me that day are still on the crew now. It just shows how much these people have given to their community over such a long period of time.”
Throughout his career, Cathal has travelled widely with the RNLI, supporting stations across Ireland and meeting people who share the same dedication as him.
“You do appreciate everyone who gives their time to the RNLI, whether that’s five minutes or ten years. In some ways, the people around you, such as your family, volunteer their time as well. 38 years is a long stretch to have the pager always on your mind,” says Cathal.
As he retires, Cathal holds a special place of thanks in his heart his partner Fidelma, for his family, and for all the crew members he’s served with over the years.
Tom Bushe, Baltimore RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager paid tribute to Cathal’s exceptional contribution. “Cathal has spent the last 38 years serving and protecting the seagoing community with professionalism, courage, and compassion. Throughout his career, he has been a trusted colleague, mentor, and friend to many within the RNLI and especially here in Baltimore. I would like to thank him sincerely for his outstanding service and wish him all the very best for the future.”