Afloat.ie: Crew members safe after Lifeboat Capsize

23rd November 2009

Three RNLI volunteer lifeboat crewmembers are safe and well after the Wexford inshore lifeboat capsized yesterday (Sunday 22 November 2009) during a training exercise south of Ravens Point off the Wexford coast. Two crewmembers managed to stay in contact with the upturned lifeboat and were winched to safety by the Irish Coast Guard helicopter while a third crewmember was recovered a mile and a half northeast from the scene by Rosslare RNLI lifeboat.

The Wexford D class inshore lifeboat was launched at 10.15am this morning with three volunteer lifeboat crew onboard. The volunteer crew were exercising in Wexford Harbour. A search was initiated when routine communication with the boat was lost and flares were sighted in the area. Both Rosslare RNLI lifeboat and the Irish Coast Guard were tasked to investigate.

The Irish Coast Guard helicopter recovered two of the lifeboat crew from the upturned lifeboat. The third crewmember was recovered by Rosslare lifeboat in the water some distance from the scene and transferred to the helicopter. They were taken to Waterford Regional Hospital for a medical check. The three lifeboat crew are recovering well from their experience.

Commenting on the incident RNLI Deputy Divisional Inspector Gareth Morrison said,

" The RNLI are relieved that the three lifeboat crew are safe and recovering well after the capsize. This is a testament to the high standard of training and the quality of the lifeboats and equipment used by our volunteers. RNLI volunteers train in various conditions to be prepared for all types of emergencies. The volunteers out on exercise today were experienced members of the lifeboat crew and were training in strong winds and surf. The RNLI has commenced a full investigation in liaison with Wexford lifeboat station and the Irish Coast Guard into the incident.

The RNLI wishes to express its thanks to the Irish Coast Guard and Rosslare RNLI lifeboat crew for their professional and prompt response."

A relief D Class inshore lifeboat has been dispatched to the lifeboat station and will be available for service from 1830 hrs.

Published in RNLI Lifeboats

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Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) in Ireland Information

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is a charity to save lives at sea in the waters of UK and Ireland. Funded principally by legacies and donations, the RNLI operates a fleet of lifeboats, crewed by volunteers, based at a range of coastal and inland waters stations. Working closely with UK and Ireland Coastguards, RNLI crews are available to launch at short notice to assist people and vessels in difficulties.

RNLI was founded in 1824 and is based in Poole, Dorset. The organisation raised €210m in funds in 2019, spending €200m on lifesaving activities and water safety education. RNLI also provides a beach lifeguard service in the UK and has recently developed an International drowning prevention strategy, partnering with other organisations and governments to make drowning prevention a global priority.

Famous Irish Lifeboat Rescues

Irish Lifeboats have participated in many rescues, perhaps the most famous of which was the rescue of the crew of the Daunt Rock lightship off Cork Harbour by the Ballycotton lifeboat in 1936. Spending almost 50 hours at sea, the lifeboat stood by the drifting lightship until the proximity to the Daunt Rock forced the coxswain to get alongside and successfully rescue the lightship's crew.

32 Irish lifeboat crew have been lost in rescue missions, including the 15 crew of the Kingstown (now Dun Laoghaire) lifeboat which capsized while attempting to rescue the crew of the SS Palme on Christmas Eve 1895.

FAQs

Which is Ireland's busiest lifeboat station?

While the number of callouts to lifeboat stations varies from year to year, Howth Lifeboat station has aggregated more 'shouts' in recent years than other stations, averaging just over 60 a year.

Do the RNLI get paid?

Stations with an offshore lifeboat have a full-time mechanic, while some have a full-time coxswain. However, most lifeboat crews are volunteers.

How many RNLI Lifeboat stations in Ireland?

There are 46 lifeboat stations on the island of Ireland

How many lifeboat crew have been lost in rescue missions?

How many people are rescued by the RNLI?

In 2019, 8,941 lifeboat launches saved 342 lives across the RNLI fleet.

What type of boats does the RNLI have?

The Irish fleet is a mixture of inshore and all-weather (offshore) craft. The offshore lifeboats, which range from 17m to 12m in length are either moored afloat, launched down a slipway or are towed into the sea on a trailer and launched. The inshore boats are either rigid or non-rigid inflatables.

How are lifeboats called out?

The Irish Coast Guard in the Republic of Ireland or the UK Coastguard in Northern Ireland task lifeboats when an emergency call is received, through any of the recognised systems. These include 999/112 phone calls, Mayday/PanPan calls on VHF, a signal from an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) or distress signals.

What is the relationship between the Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI in Ireland?

The Irish Coast Guard is the government agency responsible for the response to, and co-ordination of, maritime accidents which require search and rescue operations. To carry out their task the Coast Guard calls on their own resources – Coast Guard units manned by volunteers and contracted helicopters, as well as "declared resources" - RNLI lifeboats and crews. While lifeboats conduct the operation, the coordination is provided by the Coast Guard.

What is a coxswain?

A lifeboat coxswain (pronounced cox'n) is the skipper or master of the lifeboat.

What training do RNLI lifeboat crews get?

RNLI Lifeboat crews are required to follow a particular development plan that covers a pre-agreed range of skills necessary to complete particular tasks. These skills and tasks form part of the competence-based training that is delivered both locally and at the RNLI's Lifeboat College in Poole, Dorset

How can one support the RNLI?

While the RNLI is dependent on donations and legacies for funding, they also need volunteer crew and fund-raisers.

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