SAORSTÁT ÉIREANN - ROCKET CART
Recorded on the pier in Crosshaven
Sunday 15 June 2008

Video Duration 24'56"'


SAORSTÁT ÉIREANN - ROCKET CART
Recorded on the pier in Crosshaven
Sunday 15 June 2008

In 1801 about 10,000 sailors died at sea that year, most within a few hundred meters of the shore, as there was no way of getting a safety line to the ship. Something had to be done to prevent this needless loss of life.

This video describes a method used to rescue stranded sailors by using a rocket to fire a line to a ship. It was known as the Breeches Buoy rescue method.

The cart and equipment illustrated in this video was stationed at Crosshaven, County Cork until 1998. The Breeches Buoy rescue method remained in use by the Coast Guard in Ireland for over 150 years until it was officially withdrawn from service in 2003.
Sharp eyed viewers will spot the spelling mistake on the cart!

Video Duration 24'56"   -   Video copyright specialday.tv





RETURN TO THE VIDEO LIBRARY - Click HERE

Published February 2024 / Foilsithe Feabhra 2024