Two recently recruited volunteer lifeboat crew at Bundoran RNLI have had a key part of their training funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, according to the lifesaving charity.

Brothers Oisin and Nathan Cassidy, from Kinlough in Co Leitrim, recently travelled to the RNLI College in Poole, Dorset, to complete its Crew Emergency Procedures course.

Oisin and Nathan were inspired to join up as volunteer crew by their father James, who has been a helm with Bundoran RNLI for 18 years.

The course sees new lifeboat volunteers being trained in a variety of scenarios, such as how to deal with fires aboard lifeboats, and how to ‘abandon ship’ in the event of an emergency — complete with a four-metre jump into water.

Others include team survival swimming, coping in a liferaft in simulated darkness, how to right a capsized inshore lifeboat, and the importance of lifejackets.

It also includes sessions on the correct use of flares, fire extinguishers and throw bags.

More than 3,000 RNLI volunteer crew members have received training funded by some €2.8 million

“It was inevitable that myself and Oisin would join the RNLI,” said Nathan. “Since an early age we’ve been around the lifeboat station with Dad and have seen the great work that he and all the other volunteers do week in, week out.

“We are both very proud to be part of crew at Bundoran RNLI and look forward to help save lives at sea in the Bundoran and Donegal Bay area.”

Nathan and Oisin’s training took place in the Sea Survival Centre at the RNLI College, where they was joined by other RNLI volunteer crew from around Ireland and the UK.

The training is funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a charitable foundation that helps to protect life and property by supporting engineering-related education, public engagement and the application of research.

More than 3,000 RNLI volunteer crew members have received training funded by some €2.8 million from the foundation since 2008.

Carrybridge lifeboat volunteers a busy morning on Sunday (4 August), starting with two personal water craft with engine issues close to Naan Island on Upper Lough Erne.

The relief inshore lifeboat and rescue water craft were launched at 11.33am to the stricken vessels, which one person on each craft, which were floating close to thee island’s shoreline, according to Carrybridge RNLI.

Both pilots were found to be well, and once their water craft were cleared of obstructions and fund to be in working order, they were sent on their way.

Just as the lifeboats were leaving the scene, however, Carrybridge RNLI reports they observed another personal water craft, this time with three on board, entering shallow water and at risk of grounding.

This third vessel was escorted into into deeper and safer water by the rescue water craft before it was allowed to continue its onward journey.

Speaking later, Carrybridge RNLI helm and press officer Chris Cathcart had advice for all boat users on Lough Erne and elsewhere.

“Before setting out on your journey please plan your route and carry the relevant charts and have a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble.

“If you see someone in trouble on the water or are in difficulties yourself, the number to dial is 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

Three crew on board a yacht which experienced difficulty off Inishbofin, North Connemara, were rescued by the RNLI Clifden crew on Saturday evening writes Lorna Siggins

The yacht had been on passage to Inishbofin when its dinghy broke loose, according to Clifden RNLI.

One of the yacht’s three crew jumped aboard it but found that that the dinghy’s engine would not start, and was then stranded as the yacht had no motor power.

Clifden’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat was launched first by shore crewman John Heffernan, who then also launched the boarding boat to the Mersey Class all-weather lifeboat Fisherman’s Friend, according to Clifden RNLI press officer Catherine Pryce.

“On the way, the lifeboats received an update that another yacht had managed to get to the crew man’s aid and passed the dinghy back to the yacht,” she said.

“ However, when the Atlantic 85 arrived on the scene, it broke free from the assisting yacht once again,” Ms Pryce said.

The lifeboat retrieved the dinghy, but weather conditions were force 5 to 6 and deteriorating and the yacht’s VHF was not functioning. The yacht crew agreed to return to Inishbofin, under tow.

Clifden RNLI’s all-weather coxswain James Mullen was assisted by crew David O Reilly, Ashling Sweeney, Thomas Davis, Ian Shanahan and Michael Carey. The Atlantic 85 was helmed by Joe Acton, with Kenneth Flaherty and Chris Nee also on crew.

The incident was the second in a busy week for Clifden RNLI, which took delivery of its new Shannon-class all-weather lifeboat last Wednesday.

A man whose leg got trapped on the Connemara shoreline during a rising tide was brought to safety in a multi-agency rescue involving RNLI Clifden, the Irish Coast Guard’s Cleggan unit and Sligo helicopter last Thursday evening (Aug 1).

Seven volunteer lifeboat crew members from Ballyglass RNLI came to the rescue of a large juvenile dolphin which became stranded at Bundúla, in Blacksod Bay, just outside Belmullet this morning. The alarm was raised by concerned former RNLI crew member David Tyrrell who spotted the mammal in difficulty in an ebbing tide.

Ballyglass RNLI Lifeboats Operations Manager Pádraig Sheeran, when contacted by Mr Tyrrell, sent the call through on the paging system to launch the inshore lifeboat, the Clann Lir. Within minutes, crew arrived at the station and prepared to help the animal as best as possible. Time was of the essence as the sea continued to recede and the hot sun was further drying the scene and the animal.

Without delay, both the RNLI inshore boat crew and shore crew proceeded to carry out the rescue. The volunteers succeeded in lifting the dolphin onto a stretcher which they lifted onto the inshore lifeboat which proceeded out and into deeper waters close to Claggan Island. At this point, in sufficient depth, the crew released the dolphin which swam away, but not without surfacing a couple of times, much to the delight of the onlooking rescuers. Conditions at sea were favourable with a calm sea at the time, no wind and excellent visibility. 

Speaking of the incident later this afternoon, Allen Murray, Ballyglass RNLI mechanic said: ‘We are always ready, trained and equipped to save lives at sea and we are delighted that we had a successful rescue of a dolphin today. The crew involved were professional and efficient and were back at station with boat ready for service in record time.

‘We would like to remind people to exercise caution when near or around water especially when the weather is fine. Wear a lifejacket and inform people if you’ve plans to go near or on the water and what time you are due back. Be aware of rip currents and never swim alone. Be mindful, while near the water of risks and hazards. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for people or animals that may be in difficulty and call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard if assistance is required.’

A large multi agency operation was launched after a kayaker was reported missing after a 2 man kayak capsized between Fountainstown and Myrtleville.

The volunteers of Crosshaven RNLI were tasked at 1.37pm to attend the area after one of the kayakers made it to shore and raised the alarm.

On scene, the lifeboat initiated a search of the area, before being informed the second occupant had also made it to shore on their own and had checked in with the authorities.

The crew of the lifeboat recovered the kayak into the care of Crosshaven Coast Guard at Fountainstown beach. The two casualties had no medical issues.

Rescue helicopter 117 was also tasked along with Crosshaven Coast Guard. A RIB was also launched from the Naval Vessel, LE George Bernard Shaw to the scene.

The lifeboat under the command of Aidan O’Connor with Molly Murphy and Jenna O’Shea returned to the station and declared ready for service at 3.20pm.

Commenting on the incident, Lifeboat Operations Manager Patsy Fegan, reminded all water users to carry a means of calling for help when afloat, whether it be a VHF, a mobile phone in a waterproof jacket or flares.

A man whose leg got trapped on the Connemara shoreline during a rising tide was brought to safety in a multi-agency rescue on Thursday evening writes Lorna Siggins

The incident occurred when a couple were out walking at Slackport on Slyne Head, close to Ballyconneely, according to the RNLI Clifden lifeboat station.

The man fell on the shoreline, trapping his leg badly in some rocks and was unable to free himself. RNLI Clifden station press officer Catherine Pryce says the location was close to the high watermark in a rising spring tide.

The RNLI Clifden lifeboat and Cleggan Coast Guard volunteers, along with the Irish Coast Guard Rescue 118 helicopter from Sligo responded after the couple raised the alarm.

Clifden’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was launched with Joe Acton at the helm, along with the station’s Mersey class all-weather lifeboat under the command of coxswain James Mullen.

“ The Atlantic 85 was first on the scene and crewman Alan Pryce went ashore to assess the situation and administer first aid. Alan was quickly joined by two more crew members from Clifden’s all-weather boat,” Ms Pryce said.

The man’s injuries were assessed, and he was winched up to safety by the Sligo helicopter crew.

Clifden’s RNLI lifeboat station took delivery of a new all-weather Shannon class lifeboat earlier this week, which will increase the station’s range and capability.

‘This was an urgent and very serious call out and the crew located and assisted the casualty very quickly,” Clifden RNLI operations manager John Brittain said.

“ It has been a very busy week for our station with the arrival of our new Shannon class lifeboat, and the crew once again demonstrated that they are always there to respond when needed, working closely and effectively with our Coast Guard colleagues," Mr Brittain added.

On Tuesday evening (30 July), Lough Derg RNLI launched to the aid of an 18ft boat with engine failure by Mountshannon Harbour on the Clare shore.

On arrival at the reported location, the volunteer lifeboat was directed by Valentia Coast Guard to new co-ordinates as the vessel had drifted two miles south and was anchored at Castlelough on the Tipperary shore.

Once alongside, the crew observed that the boat’s onboard motor had had a fire.

The crew advised the skipper to disconnect the motor’s battery and the fuel line to the engine, and to locate the fire extinguisher.

Once satisfied the engine posed no danger, the lifeboat crew took the vessel under tow to Mountshannon where it was tied alongside at 8pm.

The crew then administered minor first aid to the skipper who had a recent finger injury and had lost the dressing from his wound.

Speaking following the callout, volunteer crew member Ger Egan said: “We would remind all boat users of the importance of doing regular checks on their boat’s engine and make sure it is serviced regularly.

“As we continue to enjoy the summer, we would also like to remind all users of the lake to respect the water.

“Always wear a lifejacket, always carry a means of communication and let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are expected back.

“Should you get into difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

Union Hall RNLI rescued a family of four this morning after they issued a Mayday when their 15m cruiser struck rocks and started to rapidly take on water off Glandore Harbour in West Cork.

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat by the Irish Coast Guard at 10.34am following the Mayday and asked to go to the scene west of Glandore Harbour.

The lifeboat helmed by Aodh O’Donnell and with crew members Shane Hurley and Jordan Limrick onboard, launched immediately and made its way the short distance south of Rabbit Island. Toe Head and Glandore Coast Guard units were also tasked.

Weather conditions at the time were cloudy but good with calm seas and a Force 1-2 north easterly wind.

Once on scene, the lifeboat crew observed that the vessel had headed for shore due to the intake of water and the skipper had managed to beach the boat into the safety of Carrigillihy Harbour.

The crew assessed that the casualties were safe and well before transferring the two adults and two children onto the lifeboat and bringing them safely back to shore where they were made comfortable at the lifeboat station in Union Hall.

Speaking following the call out, Peter Deasy, Union Hall RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said: ‘This was quite a serious incident this morning and the family who were competent seafarers took immediate action and issued a Mayday when they knew they were in difficulty. They were all wearing their lifejackets at the time which is always important in situations like these.

‘As we continue to enjoy the summer, we would remind all users of the sea regardless of activity, to always respect the water. Always wear a lifejacket, always carry a means of communication and always let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back. Should you get into difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’

Aran Islands RNLI came to the aid of a young boy yesterday evening who required medical evacuation.

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their lifeboat at 9.16pm by the Irish Coast Guard following a report that a young boy on Inis Mór needed medical attention.

The all-weather Severn class lifeboat David Kirkaldy immediately launched under Coxswain John O'Donnell and a full crew.

Weather conditions at the time of launching were good with calm seas.

On scene the crew safely transferred the boy aboard the lifeboat and under the supervision of the volunteer crew members, the lifeboat headed straight for Rossaveal Harbour.

Speaking after the call out, Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain John O'Donnell said: ‘Time can make all the difference in any medical evacuation, our volunteer crew members train regularly to maintain their quick response time. We would like to wish the casualty a speedy recovery.’

It was when the Baltimore Lifeboat was called on the evening of Monday, August 13th 1979 to the assistance of the yacht Regardless that the outside world began to realize that something exceptional was happening to the record 303-boat Fastnet Race fleet writes W M Nixon. With a gathering gale, other yachts were already in difficulties. But as the gale developed into a storm, the call came from Ken Rohan’s Regardless - star boat in the then-winning three-boat Irish Admirals Cup team - that her high-tech carbon fibre rudder stock had broken clean off at sea south of Toe Head.

With one of the most experienced crews of all the boats on board, the fact that Regardless had sought help moved the scenario onto a new level. The Baltimore lifeboat, The Robert, was at sea under Cox’n Christie Collins with a very young Kieran Cotter in her crew, and when she found the disabled Regardless being tossed about like a cork, it took six attempts to get a towline aboard, but after that the fallen star was towed safely into Baltimore, and The Robert put back to sea on other related missions.

Man of many rescues – the much-decorated Baltimore Lifeboat Cox’n Kieran Cotter at the day job in Baltimore

Several other lifeboats from along Ireland’s south coast and the boats from St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly and St Ives on the Cornish mainland, together with helicopters and ships, were also to be involved in the huge rescue effort which saved 132 lives. Yet despite their best efforts, there were to be 19 tragic losses in this exceptional storm, a situation which was to be analysed in several ways – including official reports – in its aftermath.

But gradually life returned to normal, and over the years the recollection of the storm of 1979 has seen the Baltimore Lifeboat, - which had been at sea for longer than any others - becoming the symbol of all the lifeboats involved, a situation which was reinforced when one of her successors, now with Kieran Cotter as Cox’n, played a central role in the rescue of the crew of George David’s super-maxi Rambler 100 when her keel snapped off at the Fastnet Rock in the race of 2011.

An exhausted Baltimore Lifeboat crew returns to port on completion of their mission in the Fastnet Storm of 1979. They spent the longest time at sea of all the lifeboats on duty in this complex rescue operation

Meanwhile, The Robert, ON 955 and a classic Watson 47, was sliding gently into retirement and obscurity when she was discovered by Jeff Houlgrave. He may be best known on the big boat circuit for his involvement with Marina Projects and as Chairman of Superyacht UK, but one of his intriguing hobbies is the restoration of vintage lifeboats, and with The Robert
he found something very near to his heart.

The Robert as a cruiser in the early days of her retirement

One of Jeff Houlgrave’s individualistic hobbies is the restoration of vintage lifeboats, and The Robert was a very special case

It has to be confessed that when he signalled that this restoration was getting underway last year, the feeling was that time was tight enough to be ready for the big 40th at Baltimore in August. But we were able to put him in touch with Kieran Cotter, still the much-decorated Cox’n of Baltimore Lifeboat, to see what might happen early in August 2019, and last night the signal came through that the superbly restored Robert is now in Crosshaven, and will be heading towards Baltimore on Friday. Clearly, when Jeff Houlgrave gets going on a project, he doesn’t mess about.

With the re-jigging of the international programme such that the Rolex Fastnet Race 2019 start on Saturday 3rd August precedes Cowes Week (10th August – 17th August) for the first time ever, there’s no way any Fastnet racers will be in the region of The Rock on August 13th and 14th, the precise date of the 40th Anniversary of the rescues. But in Baltimore a programme is being developed to reflect the current schedule’s reality while properly respecting the solemn significance of the event.

Baltimore West Cork – a summer paradise where the links within and between the sailing and lifeboat communities are notably strong. Photo: Tom Vaughan

For of all ports, it is Baltimore where the lifeboat crews and the sailing community are most intimately intertwined. Thus in the Beaufort Cup Series within Volvo Cork Week last year, the Lifeboat Service was represented by Baltimore with Deputy Cox’n Youen Jacob skippering their J/109 to such good effect that at times they were leading the very competitive fleet, and at the end it was so close that the theoretical winner, Commandant Barry Byrne with the Defence Forces crew on John Maybury’s J/109 Joker 2, reckoned that as he and his crew were given the choice of which charity their €10,000 prize should go to, they should divide it between the Children’s Hospital and Irish Lifeboats. That’s the way it is in Baltimore.