Displaying items by tag: RNLI
#RNLI - Baltimore RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was launched on Saturday night (29 May) to assist a boat that had broken from its moorings in Baltimore Harbour.
Concerned for the safety of a person seen trying to access the boat from a rowing dinghy in strong southerly winds, a member of the public raised the alarm, and the ILB was tasked to assist, quickly returning the boat it its morning and its occupant back to shore.
On return to station, the lifeboat was tasked to investigate a possible flare sighting in the area.
After conducting a search in strong wind, rain and darkness, nothing was out of the ordinary was found and the ILB was stood down.
The Baltimore lifeboat crew on this callout were Mícheál Cottrell, Ryan O’Mahony and Colin Rochford, with Seamus O’Driscoll, Rianne Smith and Jerry Smith on shore and Brian McSweeney also in attendance.
#RNLI - Lough Ree RNLI’s lifeboat crew were alerted by the Irish Coast Guard yesterday morning (Saturday 29 April) when a 56ft barge with three people on board ran hard aground on rocks close to Blackwood Point, at the northern end of Lough Ree.
Shore crew Tony Diskin, Matt Harte, Billy Henshaw and Dennis Buckley responded quickly when the alarm was raised shortly before 10 am and got the inshore lifeboat The Eric Rouse launched and underway in less than ten minutes, with first responders Kieron Sloyan, Kieran Scullion and Liam Sherringham on board.
A short time later, the lifeboat crew was alongside the casualty vessel, checking that all on board were safe and well. Weather conditions at the time were dry, with strong Force 5-6 wind and a rising swell with waves up to a metre high.
After checking that the vessel was not taking on water, a tow line was established and the vessel was safely towed to deeper navigable water.
Crew member Kieran Scullion remained aboard the barge to check that all systems were operating normally and to assist with navigation on the journey north to Lanesborough Quay, accompanied by the lifeboat. Upon arrival at Lanesborough, the crew ensured that the barge was securely berthed before departing the scene.
On return to the lifeboat station, the crew observed a hire vessel straying outside the navigation channel between Clawinch Island and Quaker Island.
The crew diverted course to the hire vessel and guided the occupants back to safe water. A lifeboat crew member was invited on board the vessel and spent some time assisting the hire vessel crew in identifying the navigable areas of the lake.
The lifeboat crew also advised the occupants of the difficult conditions further south, whereupon the hire vessel decided to return north to Ballyleague Harbour until conditions for crossing the lake improved.
Speaking following the callout, Lough Ree RNLI lifeboat operations manager Tony McCarth said: “It was a busy day for the lifeboat on Lough Ree and we were delighted to be able to assist.
“As we continue to enjoy this Bank Holiday weekend and as we look forward to the main boating season starting, we would like to remind everyone planning a trip on the lake to respect the water.”
Wicklow Lifeboat Assists Fisherman Adrift Near Kiloughter Beach
#RNLI - Wicklow RNLI's all-weather lifeboat launched at 10.52am yesterday morning (Saturday 29 April) to search the bay for a missing fisherman.
The lifeboat, under the command of coxswain Nick Keogh with a volunteer crew, proceeded north to the fisherman’s last known position.
Weather conditions in the area at the time were described as moderate seas with a south-easterly Force 4 wind.
Twelve minutes after launching, the lifeboat crew located the man in his small boat near Kiloughter beach, in what Keogh described as “choppy” seas.
A quick assessment found he was unable to get back to Wicklow Harbour due to mechanical problems with the outboard engine.
The boat was taken in tow back to the garbour, where the fisherman was landed safely ashore just before midday.
“We were happy to assist him,” Keogh added.
Rosslare Harbour Lifeboat Assists Two On Yacht Off Tuskar Rock
#RNLI - Rosslare Harbour RNLI volunteers launched their all-weather lifeboat in the early hours of this morning (Friday 28 April) following a call for help from a yacht with two men onboard off Tuskar Rock.
The 15m yacht broke its mast on a passage from Kinsale to Howth, some four miles south of Tuskar Rock Lighthouse.
The two men onboard, who are experienced sailors, decided not to run the engine for fear of fouling the propeller due to the amount of rigging and rope in the water.
They were quick to call for help, and the Irish Coast Guard requested the all-weather lifeboat from Rosslare Harbour to launch at 12.40am.
Weather conditions at the time was favourable, with a moderate sea swell and a northerly wind of Force 3 to 4.
Once on scene, the lifeboat crew towed the sailing vessel into the shelter of Rosslare Europort, where it was tied up at 4am.
Speaking following the callout, Rosslare Harbour RNLI volunteer lifeboat press officer Jamie Ryan commended the quick action of the two crew aboard the yacht.
“They did the right thing this morning and raised the alarm when they started to encounter problems. Our volunteers responded rapidly and we were delighted to help the vessel and her crew safely to shore.”
Ryan added: “We would remind anyone taking to the sea over the Bank Holiday weekend and on into the main boating season to respect the water.
“Always carry a means of calling for help and keep it within reach. Wear a personal floatation device. Check the weather and tides. Tell someone elsewhere you are going and when you will be back. Wear appropriate clothing for the conditions and your trip.”
Only 21% of Lifejackets 'Free of Faults': Dun Laoghaire RNLI Issue Lifejacket Safety Warning At Ireland's Biggest Boating Centre
Dun Laoghaire RNLI is making a timely warning this Bank Holiday weekend to all lifejacket owners to ensure the appropriate safety checks are carried out by a competent agent ahead of the main boating season.
The safety appeal comes following the results from a free lifejacket advice clinic held in Dun Laoghaire by the RNLI’s community safety team last weekend.
Of the 131 lifejackets checked, only 21% were found to be completely fault free.
The lifejackets were brought to the free clinic by a variety of boat users and were checked by experienced RNLI volunteers. While the RNLI offers sea safety advice it does not offer a pass or fail assessment on lifejacket servicing.
Just over half the units tested had the recommended crotch straps fitted that are considered vital to ensure that a lifejacket inflates correctly on the wearer and remains in place, keeping the wearer’s head above the water and helping to prevent fatigue.
There were numerous examples of life-threatening problems detected during the checks. Ninety of the units had out of date firing mechanisms and 23 had corroded gas bottles that risk incorrect inflation in an emergency.
Speaking following the clinic, Stephen Wynne, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘Although we are very pleased that more than 100 lifejackets were checked, the fault rate is extremely worrying when you think that anyone taking to the water needs and relies on a lifejacket should they get into trouble. As the main boating season gets underway, we are appealing to everyone thinking of going on the water to ensure that they not only have a lifejacket but that every user has their lifejacket checked by a competent agent. This is so important and could save a life.’
Other problems identified at the clinic included lifejackets that had already been fired (3), missing gas cylinders (3), missing firing mechanisms (3), bladder abrasion (3), holed bladder (3) and one unit that was so old it didn't inflate at all.
‘It is essential that the correct type of lifejacket is used depending on the planned activity’, added Peter Richardson, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Community Safety Officer. ‘Specialist activities such as offshore racing or cruising need lifejackets fitted with a spray hood, light and space for a personal locator beacon (PLB). People who do not fit a crotch strap to their lifejacket or who do not use it when fitted is risking their lives should they end up in the water’.
Missing Toddler Report Prompts Bangor Lifeboat Launch
#RNLI - Bangor RNLI’s volunteers launched the inshore lifeboat Jessie Hillyard yesterday evening (Monday 24 April) to reports of a missing three-year-old in the vicinity of the Jamaica Inn.
Setting off in big breaking seas and a Force 8 gusting wind, helmsman Kyle Marshall and crew John Bell and Johnny Gedge made their way to Luke’s Point.
En route, the information was changed to a seven-year-old boy who had run off from his parents’ car.
With Donaghadee RNLI getting ready to launch, and the PSNI and HM Coastguard in attendance on land at Luke’s Point, Bangor RNLI were informed that the boy was found to have made his own way home and was safe.
Commenting on the callout, Marshall said: “The crew and I are delighted that this young lad has been found safe and is back with his family. Conditions were challenging this evening, but this is what we are trained to handle.
“There is no substitute for experience on a call like this, and keeping the crew safe is a top priority. In high seas and strong winds, ‘softly softly catchy monkey’ is the way to go.”
Yacht on Sand Bank with Three Onboard Brought to Safety by Rosslare Harbour and Wexford RNLI (Video)
A 39ft–wooden yacht with three people onboard was brought to safety by Wexford and Rosslare Harbour RNLI in County Wexford yesterday evening.
Volunteer lifeboat crew from both stations were requested to launch just before 7.30pm following a report that a yacht had got into difficulty off Wexford Bar.
The 1925 ketch with three onboard was on passage from Scotland to the south coast of England when it got stranded on a sand bank in the mouth to Wexford Harbour.
The inshore lifeboat from Wexford and the all-weather lifeboat from Rosslare were launched along with the Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117 from Waterford.
Weather conditions at the time were described as fair with a Force 2-3 west to south westerly wind and a smooth sea state.
Once on scene at 7.38pm, the lifeboat crew observed that the vessel had damaged its steering gear and was stuck in a shallow area of Wexford Harbour. The crew from Wexford RNLI proceeded to take a tow line from Rosslare’s lifeboat and pass it to the sailors of the vessel.
Using their training, both lifeboat crews worked together to release the yacht. The inshore lifeboat was able to use its shallow draft to manoeuvre the casualty and tow the vessel into deeper waters while the power of the Rosslare all-weather lifeboat ensured the tow was carried out effectively. Once in safer waters, Rosslare RNLI then towed the vessel to Rosslare Port where it was safely secured at 9.45pm.
Speaking following the call out, Lorraine Galvin, Wexford RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘This call out involved teamwork with our colleagues from Rosslare Harbour RNLI as we worked together and depended on each other to successfully release the yacht. The sailors did the right to raise the alarm when they started to encounter problems because time was of the essence. While the water may have appeared flat calm, in another couple of hours things could have changed dramatically in that area of the harbour.’
Union Hall Lifeboat Starts Summer Season With Two Callouts
#RNLI - It’s shaping up to be the start of a busy season for the volunteer lifeboat crew at Union Hall RNLI with two callouts in less than two weeks.
On Saturday 8 April, the inshore lifeboat launched at 12.14pm to Rabbit Island with reports of two sheep spotted on a low-lying cliff at the side of the island.
The crew went to the island to access the situation, and to eliminate the risk of members of the public trying to assist the sheep.
The volunteers went ashore and helped the sheep back onto the island, left them grazing and returned to Union Hall pier.
More recently, on Monday 17 April, Union Hall RNLI was requested by Valentia Coast Guard at 9.26pm to reports of two red flares spotted near Adam Island at the mouth of Glandore Harbour.
Launching five minutes later, the lifeboat crew proceeded to the scene and were joined by the Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117 from Waterford and Toe Head/Glandore Coast Guard Unit, who also had their shore crew assist.
A thorough search was conducted of the inner harbour and islands at the mouth of Glandore Harbour. Nothing was found and Union Hall RNLI was stood down at 10.53pm.
Speaking following the callouts, Pamela Deasy, Union Hall RNLI volunteer lifeboat press officer said: “As we approach the summer season we would remind everyone to respect the water and remember if you see anything suspicious or someone in trouble over the coming months, call 112/999 and ask for the coastguard.”
Ballycotton Lifeboat Rescues Dog Stranded On Cliff
#RNLI - Ballycotton RNLI was launched yesterday morning (Wednesday 19 April) to rescue a dog that was stranded on the side of a cliff near the East Cork village.
The all-weather and inshore lifeboats were both launched to an area known locally as the Cradle and Table, less than one mile west of Ballycotton Bay, after a member of the public alerted the volunteer lifeboat crew.
Weather conditions were reportedly calm with some light winds.
The dog was brought onboard the inshore lifeboat by the crew members and, once safe, he was transferred to the all-weather lifeboat and returned to his owners onshore.
Speaking following the callout, Ballycotton RNLI mechanic Maire Scanlon said: “We are delighted that this launch had such a positive outcome.
“Locally the dog is known as Paudie, and we are delighted to report he has since been assessed by a local and vet and is recovering well.
“We would also like to thank our colleagues from the Ballycotton Coast Guard unit who were also on scene to lend their assistance.”
RNLI Award for Gallantry Returned to Aran Islands
The grandnephew of an RNLI bowman who was awarded the charity’s bronze medal for gallantry for his part in the daring rescue of 12 people from a Greek freighter back in 1938, has made a visit from the UK to Galway this week to present the Aran Islands lifeboat crew with a precious gift.
John Harwood’s grand uncle Patrick Flaherty was the bowman of the Galway Bay (now Aran Islands RNLI) motor lifeboat which was called out on the night of the 16-17 August 1938. He was subsequently awarded in recognition of his meritorious conduct when together with four other men he courageously manned a small boat and rescued the crew of 12 of the steam trawler ‘Nogi’ which had run aground near Straw Island Lighthouse, Aran Isles, during a strong westerly-south westerly wind with a very heavy sea.
An online article describes how a boat from the Hatano with four men went to her rescue and at once got into difficulties. The lifeboat went first to the small boat, the rowlock of which caught in the fender of the lifeboat, and there was danger of a serious accident. The motor mechanic jumped aboard the boat and smashed the rowlock with a hatchet. The four men were rescued and their boat towed away. It was impossible for the lifeboat to get alongside the Nogi but five of her crew manned the small boat; it was lowered by a rope down to the Nogi and in two journeys rescued the 11 men on board her. A member of the Nogi's crew had been swept away in the trawler's boat when she struck. His boots were found on an island, but it was only after eight hours' search that the man was found dazed and exhausted. The whole rescue had taken over 14 hours.
When John’s uncle Paddy who lived in the north west of England and worked most of his life as a miner, died in 1998, he left John his father’s citation for the bronze medal which is written on vellum.
‘This always had pride of place in my uncle’s house,’ John explained, ‘and as a child he often told me the story about how his father and I think his older brother took part in the rescue. He also regaled me with tales of his life on Aran, particularly his connection with the sea. This influenced me in later life to love the sea and along with my wife I have had a 30 year passion for the sea as a diver and yachtsman.’
John’s visit to Galway yesterday evening (Wednesday 19 April) follows his decision to return the citation to Aran Islands RNLI.
‘As time marches on, I realise that there will be no one to appreciate the award when my wife and I are no longer here, so I think it is high time that the award is returned to the Aran Islands where it belongs. I believe that my uncle may still have family on the Islands. I think the award should lie with them or with the lifeboat station.’
John and his wife Mary met members of both Aran Islands and Galway RNLI in Rosaveal yesterday evening before John presented the citation on vellum to Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain John O’Donnell.
‘We are extremely touched by John and Mary’s generous gesture to place what is their precious heirloom into the care of Aran Islands lifeboat station. RNLI medals for gallantry are rare and are presented for acts of bravery and this was certainly the case on the night the lifeboat carried out the rescue of the Nogi in 1938. We are very grateful to receive this award from John and Mary and can assure them it will take pride of place in his granduncle Patrick Flaherty’s lifeboat station.’