Kilrush RNLI’s volunteer crew launched their inshore lifeboat on Friday morning (10 November) to assist two people onboard a fishing vessel that was adrift in challenging conditions.

At 9am, the lifeboat launched at the request of Valentia Coast Guard to a report that a fishing vessel had lost power and was drifting close to the busy shipping channel of the Shannon Estuary.

The crew located the nine-metre fishing vessel with two people onboard south-west of Kilredaun Head.

Having assessed the situation, it was decided to establish a tow line which was done in a challenging sea state and the casualty vessel was towed to Carrigaholt Pier in four- to five-metre swells.

Once the casualty vessel was safely secured, Kilrush RNLI returned to station at 10.30am.

Commenting on the call-out, Charlie Glynn, Kilrush lifeboat press officer said: “Weather conditions were challenging but our volunteer crews are well prepared and trained for each eventuality.

“We are fortunate to have such a dedicated team of volunteers at Kilrush Lifeboat Station who are ready to drop everything at a moment’s notice to save lives at sea. Pease remember if you see someone in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

Aran Islands RNLI carried out a medical evacuation from Inis Meáin on Monday afternoon (6 November).

Volunteers’ pagers went off at 3.14pm following a request from the Irish Coast Guard to go to the aid of a patient on the island neighbouring Inis Mór who was in need of further medical attention.

The lifeboat launched from the pontoon at Kilronan Harbour with a full crew and headed straight for Inis Meáin.

Weather conditions at the time of launching were fair, with a westerly Force 5 wind blowing, a two-metre sea swell, squally showers and good visibility.

At the pier in Inis Meáin, the patient was transferred safely aboard the lifeboat under the supervision of the volunteer crew and the lifeboat headed straight for Rossaveal Harbour and the waiting ambulance.

On the way back to Kilronan Harbour, the lifeboat undertook a training exercise with the coastguard’s Rescue 118 helicopter from Sligo in Galway Bay.

Speaking after the call-out, coxswain Declan Brannigan said: “There was a quick response time from the volunteer crew and we would like to wish the patient well.

“No matter the time, day or night, our volunteers will work to ensure we get to the patient as fast as possible and transfer them into the care of our colleagues in he ambulance service.

“We also thank our colleagues from Rescue 118 for the training exercise that followed after. Such training is essential in preparing us for joint operational activity as and when the time arises.”

The crew on this call-out with Brannigan were mechanic Tommy Dirrane, Joe Gill, Micheál Ó Culáin, Caelan Cullen Quinn and Billy Gillan.

Skerries RNLI rescued two men, a father and son, who had got into difficulty in the water while kitesurfing on Friday afternoon (3 November).

The Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Louis Simson was launched by the volunteers in Skerries shortly before 4.30pm, following an emergency call to Dublin Coast Guard from a member of the public reporting that several kitesurfers appeared unable to return to shore off the south beach in Skerries.

After rounded the headland of Red Island, almost immediately the crew spotted two men in the water holding on to a kitesurfing board.

The two were helped aboard the lifeboat, where the volunteers took steps to protect them from the elements and assessed their condition.

With both men showing early signs of hypothermia, an ambulance was requested to meet the lifeboat back at the boathouse. Following an assessment by paramedics, one of the men was transferred to hospital for further monitoring and treatment.

Conditions at the time had a Force 4-5 westerly wind with a slight sea swell and good visibility albeit with fading light.

Speaking about the call-out, volunteer lifeboat press officer Gerry Canning said: “When you get a call to say that someone is in difficulty and they are already in the water, every second counts.

“One of the men commented that he was incredibly relieved to see a big orange boat appear on the horizon as he didn’t think they had much strength left.

“Well done to the people that raised the alarm. It just goes to show, if you see someone in trouble on the water, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard — it can make all the difference.”

Baltimore RNLI were called out to provide a medical evacuation on Friday morning (28 October) from Cape Clear Island off the coast of West Cork.

The volunteer lifeboat crew launched their all-weather lifeboat The Alan Massey at 10.44am following a request from the Irish Coast Guard to provide a medevac for a resident of the island.

The Baltimore crew arrived at North Harbour on Cape Clear Island at 11.08am where the casualty and the island nurse were waiting. The casualty was transferred onto a stretcher and then onboard the lifeboat, which departed at 11.30am and arrived in Baltimore half an hour later.

The casualty was then transferred from the lifeboat to the waiting ambulance and care was handed over to the HSE ambulance crew.

Conditions during the call-out were windy with a south-westerly Force 4-5 wind and a large sea swell.

Speaking later, Baltimore RNLI volunteer lifeboat press officer Kate Callanan said: “Baltimore RNLI often provide medical evacuations to residents of islands off the coast of West Cork. If you find yourself in need of medical assistance whilst on an island, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

There were seven volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat: coxswain Aidan Bushe, mechanic Cathal Cottrell and crew members Micheal Cottrell, Jerry Smith, Pat Collins, Stuart Musgrave and Emma Geary.

Clifden RNLI’s volunteer crew were tasked by the Irish Coast Guard at 1.45pm on Tuesday (26 October) following a report that three people were stranded on Omey Island.

The Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was launched by volunteer helm Kenny Flaherty with Joe Acton and Neill Gallery as crew.

Weather conditions were good with calm seas and the lifeboat crew had no difficulty locating the walkers on Omey Island.

The casualties were found to be well and did not require medical assistance. They were returned to the shore at Claddaghduff where Cleggan Coast Guard provided further assistance.

Speaking after the shout, Clifden RNLI lifeboat operations officer John Brittain said: “We would remind locals and visitors to always check tide times and heights before venturing out to Omey and to always make sure you have enough time to return safely.

“If you do get cut off by the tide, it is important to stay where you are and not attempt a return to shore on your own as that may be when the danger presents and you get into difficulty.

“Always carry a means of communication and should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

Portaferry RNLI came to the aid of two people on Saturday evening (21 October) after they got cut off by the tide at Rough Island at the northern end of Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland.

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat at 5.25pm at the request of Belfast Coastguard.

Helmed by Dave Fisher and with crew members Molly Crowe, Rosslyn Watret and George Toma onboard, the lifeboat launched immediately and made its way to the scene at Rough Island, which has a causeway that covers a period of 2-3 hours before high tide.

Weather conditions at the time were good with a Force 3-4 wind and a slight sea state.

Once on scene, the crew observed that the man and woman were both safe and well before taking them onboard the lifeboat and bringing them safely back to shore.

Speaking following the call-out, Heather Kennedy, Portaferry RNLI lifeboat operations manager said: “We were delighted to be able to assist both people safely back to shore.

“We would remind anyone planning a walk to always check weather and tide time signage before venturing out as it can be easy to get caught out by the incoming tide at high water.”

Aran Islands RNLI’s volunteer crew responded to two medical evacuation requests on Wednesday night (18 October).

Pagers were first activated at 7.10pm following a report that a patient on Inis Mór was in need of further medical attention. The all-weather lifeboat launched under coxwain Aonghus Ó hIarnáin and a full crew of volunteers.

Conditions at the time of launching were choppy, with an easterly Force 4 wind blowing and a two-metre sea swell.

The patient was transferred safely aboard the lifeboat under the supervision of the volunteer crew at the pontoon at Kilronan Harbour.

Upon transferring the patient over to the waiting ambulance at Rossaveal Harbour, the volunteers made their way home where upon arrival they were requested to launch the lifeboat again, with another patient on Inis Mór in need of further medical attention.

Weather conditions for the second medevac had a Force 5-6 easterly wind blowing with slight seas and reasonable visibility.

This second patient was transferred safely aboard the lifeboat and the crew headed straight for Rossaveal and a awaiting ambulance.

Speaking after the double call-out, Ó hIarnáin said: “We would like to wish both patients a speedy recovery. As always our crew never hesitate to answer the call and were delighted to be able to help.”

Aran Islands RNLI crew on Wednesday night alongside Ó hIarnáin included mechanic Mairtín Eoin Coyne, Joe Gill, Daniel O’Connell, Caelan Cullen Quinn, Billy Gillan and Michael Faherty.

The volunteer crew of Sligo Bay RNLI served up another fish supper last Friday (6 October) to 200 guests at The Strand Bar in Strandhill.

The seafood night raised an amazing €6,587, all of which will go towards training and equipping the lifeboat station’s volunteers to help save lives at sea.

This year, Starcrest Seafoods was the main sponsor for the night with some of their team accompanying the crew on the night.

Sligo Bay is celebrating 25 years of service in Rosses Point this year. Between its founding in 1998 and ythe end of 2022, Sligo Bay’s volunteers launched 420 times on service, with 368 people rescued, 28 of whom were lives saved.

Starcrest Seafoods was the main sponsor for the seafood supper hosted by Sligo Bay RNLI volunteers at The Strand Bar in Strandhill on Friday 6 October | Credit: RNLI/Donal Hackett

Over the years, the lifeboat crew have spent 1,592 hours at sea on call-outs, not counting the twice-weekly training that takes place throughout the year.

But all of this would not be possible without the support and donations for which the team is extremely grateful.

Speaking after the seafood night, organiser Mark Ballantine said: “The support that Sligo Bay RNLI received is just tremendous. I would like to thank Starcrest Seafood for their sponsorship this year and all our other sponsors: The Strand Bar for hosting and cooking for us, those who donated raffle prizes and all who turned out and supported our night. Tickets sold out incredible fast this year. I am looking forward to next year already.”

Arklow RNLI launched on Sunday (8 October) at around 11am following a pager alert by the Irish Coast Guard reporting swimmers in difficulty at the Co Wicklow town’s South Beach.

The volunteer crew made their way to the lifeboat station and within minutes of the request were aboard the all-weather lifeboat Ger Tigchlearr and en route to the reported location just outside Arklow Piers.

Once on scene, the lifeboat crew were made aware that there were two open-water swimmers in the area, with another person on a paddleboard.

Thankfully, it was established that they were not in difficulty and the lifeboat stood by the swimmers as they completed their swim and returned to shore.

Initial reports had said there were swimmers in difficulty and shouting for help but it was established they were communicating within the group and the shouts for help were misheard.

Following the call-out, Mark Corcoran, volunteer lifeboat press officer at Arklow RNLI said: “In this case, it turned out there was no one in difficulty. However, we would always encourage anyone who suspects they have heard any kind of call for help to phone 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

The volunteer lifeboat crew from Larne RNLI in Northern Ireland will feature in the new series of popular TV show Saving Lives at Sea on BBC Two at 8pm next Thursday 12 October.

Featuring footage captured on helmet and boat cameras, viewers watch dramatic rescues through the eyes of RNLI lifesavers while meeting the people behind the pagers and those rescued by the charity’s lifesavers.

The popular 10-part documentary is now in its eighth series and includes the lifesaving work of RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards from around Ireland and the UK.

It’s also available to watch on the BBC iPlayer for viewers in the UK following broadcast.

Including interviews with lifeboat crews and lifeguards, the series will also hear from those rescued and their families who, thanks to RNLI lifesavers, are here to tell the tale.

This forthcoming episode, on Thursday 12 October, includes Larne RNLI’s rescue of a capsized kayaker alongside rescue stories from their colleagues at other stations and beaches around the coast.

Larne RNLI helm Barry Kirkpatrick, who was on the call-out and will feature in the upcoming episode, said: “Our lifesaving work would not be possible without donations from the public and we are delighted to be able to share a frontline view of the rescues they support with their kind generosity.

“This is the first time Larne RNLI features on the Saving Lives at Sea series and this rescue is a good example of where our volunteers’ training, skills and experience all come to the fore in helping bring a casualty to safety. It also highlights the great teamwork not just among our own volunteers but with our colleagues from the various emergency services.

“The call for help in this rescue comes late at night following reports of a person capsized from their kayak. After a search, we locate the casualty floating on his back in the middle of the bay, who is estimated to be in the water for up to one hour and very cold.

“We bring him onboard the lifeboat and make our way back to the beach as quickly as possible while beginning first aid to try and warm him up but we are concerned about signs of hypothermia. Once on shore, we are assisted by our colleagues in the coastguard and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

“In this rescue, the casualty's wife does the right thing by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard when she realises her husband is in difficulty in the water. The kayaker also does the right thing by floating on his back with his arms stretched out. He is floating to live.”

If you get inspired to volunteer with the RNLI by the series, there are a variety of roles from lifeboat crew, to fundraiser, lifeguard to shop volunteer. Fund out more at rnli.org/volunteer