Ballyglass RNLI came to the aid of a lone sailor on Tuesday night (3 September) after they experienced a knee injury.

The all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch by Malin Head Coast Guard to assist the sailor, who was four miles north-west of Eagle Island off the north Mayo coast and some 14 nautical miles from the lifeboat station.

The volunteer crew received the alert just before 5pm and the lifeboat was underway shortly after under coxswain James Mangan and five crew.

Weather conditions at the time were challenging, with a small craft warning in place, a north-westerly Force 5-6 wind and the sea choppy with swells.

When the lifeboat arrived on scene, the crew assessed the situation and communicated with the sailor, who was fit to sail into Broadhaven Bay single-handed but required help mooring.

The lifeboat proceeded to escort the sailor into calmer waters in Broadhaven Bay, where it was safe for one of the volunteer crew to be transferred to the casualty vessel to bring her to the nearest safe moorings at Ballyglass Pier.

There, the lifeboat crew were met by Ballyglass Coast Guard Unit and the ambulance service, who took over the care of the casualty once ashore.

Speaking following the call-out, Ballyglass RNLI coxswain James Mangan said: “We were pleased with the safe return of everyone and we would like to wish the sailor well and commend and thank our colleagues from the ambulance service and Ballyglass Coast Guard Unit and our own shore crew.”

The lifeboat crew this call-out with Mangan were mechanic Allen Murray, navigator Stephen Togher and crew members John Gaughan, Pat Coyne and Seán Reilly.

The volunteer crew of Clifden RNLI launched at 12.30pm on Tuesday (3 September) to reports of a broken-down fishing vessel.

Clifden’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was launched with Owen Hayes as helm and John Mullen, Sinead O’Sullivan and Shane Conneely as crew, who made their way to the location east of Carraig an Róin island.

The all-weather lifeboat St Christopher was also tasked to the scene and stood by to provide assistance.

The casualty vessel was located at anchor with two persons on board. It emerged that the boat had suffered major mechanical failure, rendering it without propulsion.

To ensure the safety of all on board, the vessel put under tow and brought to safe harbour in Clifden some 40 minutes away.

Clifden RNLI helm Owen Hayes said: “I want to commend the casualties for raising the alarm when they knew they couldn’t make safe progress. Every moment matters. Please never delay in calling for assistance; in Clifden RNLI we are ready to respond 24/7.

“Our advice for anyone going to sea is to plan your journey in advance, have the relevant charts required, lifejackets for all on board and a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble.

“My thanks to all the crew in Clifden for a great team effort.”

Enniskillen RNLI will be throwing open the doors of its inshore lifeboat station with an open day this Saturday 7 September.

Visitors will have an opportunity to explore the lifeboat station, which was officially opened in 2023.

During the event, which takes place from 2pm to 5pm at the station in Killadeas, the volunteer crew will be joined by rescue and emergency service organisations, including the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Fire Service, the Mountain Rescue Team, Police and Community Safety Partnership and the Lough Erne Coastguard Rescue.

There will be a number of displays during the day, including a water display by Carrybridge RNLI at 2.45pm and a combined demonstration by Enniskillen RNLI and the Irish Coast Guard’s Sligo-based helicopter Rescue 118 at 3pm.

There will also be tours of the lifeboat station and a lifejacket clinic. There will be bouncy castles for younger visitors and ice cream and food can be purchased on the day.

Lifeboat operations manager Gary Jones said: “We are delighted to be able to showcase our station and welcome many of the emergency and rescue services we work with on a routine basis. Everyone is welcome to come along.”

Courtmacsherry RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat Val Adnams was called out at 10.15pm on Sunday night (1 September) to go to the aid of a 35ft yacht, which sought assistance as its crew got into difficulties off Dunworley Head in Clonakilty Bay.

Under coxswain Ken Cashman and a crew of five, the West Cork lifeboat was under way quickly and immediately made its way to the area of the casualty.

The distress alarm was raised by the yacht’s crew with the Irish Coast Guard’s Marine Rescue Coordination Centre, when they developed mechanical issues while on passage from Kerry to Youghal.

The lifeboat located the casualty at 10.40pm and a tow rope was immediately attached in order to secure the yacht, which was about one mile off the coastline.

While there was little wind at sea, a dense coastal fog and rain were descending and a decision was made by the lifeboat crew to tow the casualty, which had two crew on board, to the port of Kinsale.

The lifeboat then proceeded to tow the yacht at low speed under the cover of darkness and in dense fog to the safe surrounds of Kinsale Harbour and it was successfully berthed at the Dock Marina at 2.30am. The lifeboat arrived back to its mooring at 4.15am, having been at sea for over six hours.

Lifeboat operations manager Brian O’Dwyer said: “It was great to have 15 of our lifeboat crew arrive so quickly last night and all prepared to spend the night at sea if required in the assistance of others. It was prudent that the casualty sought assistance quickly by contacting the coastguard.”

The lifeboat crew for this call-out were coxswain Ken Cashman, mechanic Dave Philips and crew members Dean Hennessey, Niamh Hurley and brothers Donal and Kevin Young.

Youghal RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew were requested by the Irish Coast Guard to launch at 4.45pm on Tuesday (27 August) following reports that two swimmers had got into difficulty while swimming at Green Hole at the mouth of Youghal Bay and who were taken out by a current.

The inshore lifeboat, helmed by Jack Nolan and with crew members Liam Keogh and Declan Troy onboard, launched and quickly arrived at the scene where the crew spotted the casualties floating and calm.

Weather conditions were described as fair with a south-westerly wind and a moderate sea state.

They were brought onboard the lifeboat and back to the lifeboat station. The crew provided casualty care assessment and saw that the casualties were very cold from exposure to the cold sea temperature but otherwise seemed in good health.

Also tasked were Youghal Coast Guard, who made their way to Youghal lifeboat station with the other member of the group. The casualties were then handed over to them for further medical assessment.

Speaking after the call-out, John Hearne, Youghal RNLI lifeboat operations manager said: “When you hear a swimmer is in difficulty, you are immediately concerned as they are already in the water and you don’t know what way the current will bring them.

“The swimmers did the right thing by laying backwards and floating and remained calm. The crew assembled rapidly along with shore crew and a tractor driver and they got the lifeboat out very quickly and safely.

“We also want to thank the member of the public who aided the swimmer and responded in the right way by raising the alarm and ringing the coastguard.”

A married couple in a Porsche 911 travelling the coast of Ireland and the UK, attempting to visit all RNLI lifeboat stations recently met volunteers from Newcastle lifeboat station in Northern Ireland as they continue their journey.

Belinda and James Richardson, from London, are travelling 8,500 miles in their Porsche 911, hoping to visit all 238 lifeboat stations in 911 hours to raise funds for a relief D class inshore lifeboat.

After starting in Morecambe in England on Friday 23 August, the pair visited Newcastle RNLI on Sunday (25 August).

Ned Leneghan, Newcastle RNLI volunteer said: “It was great to have Belinda and James stop by on their whistle-stop tour. Their efforts to raise funds for a relief D class lifeboat are inspiring.

“Our D class lifeboat, Eliza, has been away for service and repairs several times over the last few years and it’s great that a relief boat, such as Belinda and James are raising funds for, is available to come on station so that our volunteers can continue saving lives at sea. Newcastle lifeboat volunteers wish the couple all the best as they continue their epic venture.”

Jayne George, RNLI director of fundraising added: “We are so grateful to Belinda and James for taking on this huge challenge and look forward to welcoming them at all of our lifeboat stations around the coast.

“We are only able to save lives at sea thanks to the generous support of people taking on challenges like this, and we’re honoured Belinda and James have decided to raise even more money to fund a new D class inshore lifeboat.

“In 2023 alone, D class lifeboats saved 96 lives and helped 2,028 people in difficulty. Belinda and James’ 911 challenge will help continue that lifesaving legacy.”

Find out more about Belinda and James’ efforts and how to donate at rnli-911challenge.co.uk.

Portaferry RNLI’s volunteer crew were paged at 1.10pm on Sunday afternoon (25 August) at the request of Belfast Coastguard following a report that three kayaks had been spotted, possibly in difficulty, by a member of the public walking their dog.

The inshore lifeboat helmed by Chris Adair, and with Rosslyn Watret, Molly Crowe and Paddy Lowry onboard, launched immediately and headed in the direction of last sighting. Conditions at the time had a Force 6 strong south-westerly breeze with a choppy sea state.

On the shore of Salt Island, the crew found an inflatable kayak with one adult and one child onboard. It emerged that the group had been enjoying a camping trip out on one of the islands when they were caught out by the weather as they returned ashore.

The first two kayakers were transferred onboard the lifeboat and brought to the Killyleagh Yacht Club pontoon before the lifeboat crew returned to continue the search.

Meanwhile, the wind and tide had carried the remaining two adults and two children further east to the Sound of Wee Wife near the Launches, at the back of Salt Island.

However, with the tide dropping, the water was now too shallow for the lifeboat to be brought close enough to lift these additional casualties.

The lifeboat repositioned and with the guidance of the crew, the remaining casualties launched their inflatable kayak and Canadian canoe and allowed themselves to be carried further into Strangford Lough and away from shallow waters where the lifeboat crew were waiting to pick them up.

Once ashore, all six were transferred into the care of Newcastle Coastguard team.

Speaking later, Portaferry RNLI helm Chris Adair said: “This call-out was made more challenging given the conditions we faced but we were delighted to get all six kayakers ashore safely and we wish them well.

“We commend the member of the public for raising the alarm; his quick thinking really made a difference today. We would always ask the public to make that call immediately if they think someone is in difficulty. We would rather launch the lifeboat and find everyone is OK than not launch at all.

“We would always recommend checking the weather and tides before planning a trip. Both the weather and water can be unpredictable and we would recommend making sure you prepare yourself with a means of calling for help if something unplanned happens.

“As demonstrated today, if you are in trouble or see someone who may be in difficulty on the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

Enniskillen RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, the John and Jean Lewis, was launched on Saturday evening (24 August) at the request of Belfast Coastguard following reports that two people had come off their jet ski on the north side of Inish Davar.

Winds were westerly Force 4 and visibility was good when the lifeboat departed station at 6.41pm.

On arrival at the scene, the volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat proceeded to assess two casualties who were being assisted by a crew on a passing boat.

The Irish Coast Guard’s Sligo-based helicopter Rescue 118 arrived on the scene and assisted Northern Ireland Ambulance Service personnel to get to the scene, where medical assistance was given to both casualties. The Lough Erne Mobile Coastguard Unit were also at the scene.

Both causalities were transferred to South West Acute Hospital.

Speaking following the call-out, Enniskillen RNLI helm Paul Keown thanked all those who assisted on Saturday night.

“We would advise all those on our waterways to check they have appropriate lifejacket or flotation device and a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble. Make sure you are also wearing suitable clothing for the forecasted conditions.

“Always carry a means of calling for help on your person. You must be able to reach it easily in an emergency. Tell someone else where you’re going and when you’ll be back. 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.”

Bangor RNLI received a donation from three local children following a recent garden sale.

On Wednesday evening (21 August), Daisy Bailie, Daniel McGinty and Zoe Johnston visited the Belfast Lough lifeboat station and presented volunteer crew members James Gillespie and Byron Griffiths with a donation for the RNLI.

The donation was a result of a successful recent garden sale where they sold home made jewellery and teddy bears to the public. The money raised by the budding entrepreneurs was shared between Bangor RNLI and the Water Aid charity.

During their visit to the station, the three children were shown round the new inshore lifeboat Ruby Robinson and had the opportunity for look over the lifesaving kit worn by the crew.

Bangor RNLI fundraising lead Samantha Beale said: “The RNLI is funded solely from donations from the public and we are very grateful for the local support. All donations make a difference and help us to Save Lives at Sea, well done Daisy, Daniel and Zoe for your great efforts.”

Portaferry RNLI’s pagers sounded at 2.42pm on Thursday afternoon (22 August) to assist three young adults and two dogs stranded on Rough Island after the incoming tide covered the Island Hill causeway.

Lifeboat helm Scott Blackwood, with volunteer crew members James Couper, Chris Jenkins and Ollie Rogers launched the inshore lifeboat Blue Peter V into a moderate 12-knot, Force 4 breeze.

On arrival at Rough Island, one member of the volunteer lifeboat crew was put ashore and the casualties were found quickly and observed to be well.

With weather conditions worsening and faced with a wait of several hours before the tide would drop sufficiently for them to safely walk back across the causeway, it was decided to get the group onboard the lifeboat and take them back to the slipway close to Island Hill car park.

Speaking later, Blackwood said: “Rough Island lies at the top of Strangford Lough between Newtownards and Comber and is accessible on foot at low tide by the Island Hill causeway. It’s a lovely part of the Lough and used often by dog walkers.

“When the girls realised the tide was coming in, they did the right thing, stayed on the island and called 999 requesting the help of the coastguard. As the tide comes in and covers the causeway, it quickly disappears from sight and you can go from ankle deep to very deep water in just a few seconds.

“We live in a digital world and most of us carry a smart phone in our pocket. There are several apps available which enable us to check the tide times and weather conditions wherever we are.

“We would urge anyone who lives, or regularly walks, close to the shore to download a tide times app and check it, and the weather, before venturing out. Should you find yourself in trouble or see someone else in difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”