Portrush RNLI hosted a special ceremony on Saturday (15 April) at the harbour when their new D class lifeboat was officially named The Ken Blair by Sylvia Blair.

The lifeboat, funded by Sylvia in memory of her late husband, arrived at the Northern Ireland lifeboat station in November 2022 and has already been on service.

Ken spent his school holidays on the Copeland Islands off the coast at Donaghadee and his grandfather was friendly with the local lifeboat crew. It was this which initially fuelled Ken’s interest in the RNLI and the couple were Shoreline members of the charity for many years. Ken had told Sylvia it would be lovely to have a lifeboat named in memory of a person.

Sylvia said: “He was such a wonderful, caring, dearly loved husband, whose sole aim in life was to help others. He was so contented and happy with his lot, I felt it a fitting tribute, following his death in July 2020 to fund The Ken Blair in his memory. It will provide a very valuable rescue service on the North Antrim Coast, a place that he loved dearly.”

Deputy launching authority and former volunteer lifeboat crew member Charles Grossie was master of ceremonies at the naming event. Attendees included family and close friends of Ken and Sylvia, former crew and their families, fundraising volunteers,and raft race teams as well as representatives from RNLI stations at Lough Swilly, Red Bay, Larne and Donaghadee.

Other guests included the Northern Ireland Fire Service, HM Coastguard and the Mayor of Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council.

RNLI head of region Anna Classon accepted the lifeboat from Sylvia Blair on behalf of the institution before passing it into the care of Beni McAllister, lifeboat operations manager for Portrush RNLI, who represented the station.

Ballywillan Band, who are closely associated with the station, provided a wonderful ensemble of music and the local Sea Cadets assisted with seating the guests and handing out programmes.

Local clergy conducted the service of dedication before Sylvia officially named The Ken Blair with a bottle of Bushmills Whiskey. For the occasion, the lifeboat displayed maritime flags which spelled out the letter ‘K’ and ‘B’ in honour of Ken Blair.

McAllister added: “The naming ceremony was a very proud day for everyone associated with Portrush RNLI Lifeboat Station. We are incredibly fortunate that, thanks to the generosity of Sylvia Blair and the relationship they have with the RNLI, we have this wonderful lifeboat to bring our volunteer crew members, and the casualties that need them, home safely, time and time again.

“The naming ceremony to mark our new inshore lifeboat marks new chapter in saving lives at sea on the North Coast. We will keep Ken and Sylvia Blair in our thoughts. Such generosity and support is the lifeblood of our charity and ensures that we’re able to continue our vital role of saving lives at sea, today and for future generations.”

In two back-to-back callouts on Easter Bank Holiday Monday (10 April), Lough Derg RNLI launched to search for a possible missing person and to assist a kayaker in difficulty in the water.

At 10.28am, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI to launch following a report from a resident on Illaunmore that a speedboat was at an unsafe location north of the island and appeared not to have anyone on board.

Lough Derg RNLI’s inshore lifeboat Jean Spier was launched 11 minutes later with helm Eleanor Hooker, Doireann Kennedy, Chris Parker and Richard Nolan on board. Winds were west-southwest Force 3, gusting Force 6 with frequent heavy rain showers, but good visibility.

At 10.55am the RNLI lifeboat crew could see the casualty vessel at the location reported north of Illaunmore. They navigated the lifeboat through safe water to the casualty vessel, which was close to shore.

A lifeboat crew member waded in to the vessel and found it to be at anchor astern, with a line from its bow to a tree on the shore. As the vessel had been made secure, the RNLI volunteer checked through the cabin windows and was satisfied there was no one on board.

The lifeboat crew reported their findings to Valentia Coast Guard, who then stood them down.

Less than an hour later, they were called again — this time to assist a kayaker reported to be in difficulty in the water in Dromineer Bay, close to St David’s.

At 11.54am, Jean Spier launched with helm Eleanor Hooker, Doireann Kennedy and Chris Parker on board. Conditions were similar to those of earlier in the morning, with strong westerly winds and frequent squalls.

En route, two kayakers informed the RNLI crew that they were a party of four and that their companion was in the water to the right of St David’s. A third kayaker paddling to safety pointed towards the location of the kayaker in the water. The RNLI volunteers quickly located this individual, whose profile was low in the water.

Moments later the lifeboat was alongside the casualty, who had managed to get up on and lie lengthways on their upturned kayak. The casualty was taken onto the lifeboat along with the kayak and paddle. The kayaker was feeling cold but was not exhibiting signs of hypothermia.

While taking the casualty to safety, the lifeboat met the other three kayakers rowing a sheltered route in the lee of Goose Island. The lifeboat remained with them until they reached safe harbour.

Once delivered safely back on land, the RNLI volunteers advised all four kayakers to change immediately into dry clothing and to have a warm drink.

Aoife Kennedy, deputy launching authority at Lough Derg RNLI said the earlier callout was a “false alarm but with good intent”. She thanked the public for their vigilance, and advises all lake users to “check the weather before going afloat and to remember that the water is still cold at this time of year so do dress appropriately for your activity”.

Skerries RNLI responded on Sunday evening (26 March) to reports that there was possibly a person in distress in the water off the south strand in Skerries.

Dublin Coast Guard tasked the lifeboat volunteers in Skerries shortly before 8pm after a member of the public had dialled 999 to report clothing on the beach in Skerries and a dog running around the beach distressed.

Skerries Coast Guard unit responded to the incident and shortly after arriving on scene spotted an object floating in the water between the beach and Colt Island. With the concern that there may be a person in distress in the water, the lifeboat was requested to investigate the object and carry out a search of the area.

The inshore lifeboat was promptly launched and after navigating around the headland at Red Island was on scene in a matter of minutes.

Liaising with the Skerries Coast Guard unit, the lifeboat began to search the approximate area that the object had been spotted. The volunteer crew soon spotted several semi-submerged lobster pots in the area and reported this back to Skerries Coast Guard unit on the shoreline before continuing the search.

With the area thoroughly searched and no further indications that a person had entered the water, the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station where it was refuelled, washed down and made ready for the next callout.

Conditions at the time had Force 3-4 southerly winds with slight swell.

This was the third callout for Skerries RNLI in a number of days. On Thursday evening (23 March) hey assisted in a multi-agency rescue alongside Dublin Fire Brigade, An Garda Siochana and the Irish Coast Guard’s Dublin-based helicopter Rescue 116 after a car entered the water from the slipway in Skerries.

Then on Saturday (25 March) the volunteers were paged following reports of a swimmer in difficulty near the popular Skerries swimming spot known as the Springers. However, it was confirmed visually by lifeboat operations manager Niall McGrotty that the man did not need assistance and had made his way ashore.

Speaking about the callouts, Skerries RNLI volunteer lifeboat press officer Gerry Canning said: “It’s been a busy few days for our volunteers but they are ready to respond to any call for help, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“Thankfully in this instance it was a false alarm with good intent and we always encourage anyone who thinks someone may be in trouble on or near the water to dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

The volunteer crew at Clifden RNLI were called out on Sunday 19 March to assist a vessel suffering mechanical failure near the island of Inishturk in Co Galway.

At noon the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat launched under the command of helm James Mullen with Joe Acton and Kenny Flaherty as crew and Shane Conneely as tractor driver.

A call had come in from a local fisherman John O’Toole about a small boat with three passengers which had lost power near Inishturk, south of Omey Island.

Conditions at sea were poor with limited visibility and heavy rain, and the casualty vessel was reportedly drifting towards rocks.

The volunteer crew made their way to the location in less than five minutes, by this time O’Toole had begun to tow the stricken vessel away from the rocks. The lifeboat crew proceeded to escort both boats to safety.

Speaking about the callout, Mullen said: “I would like to commend John O’Toole for his fast actions yesterday. This could have been a very serious outcome for the three passengers involved but John called for assistance firstly, located the boat and was in a position to safely assist them.”

The lifeboat helm also has the following advice for anyone going afloat: “When going to sea we would remind everyone to check their engine and fuel, always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid and carry a means of calling for help. If you see someone in difficulty on or near the water, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.”

Forty people were rescued after a passenger vessel ran aground in Lough Derg on Saturday afternoon (18 March).

Lough Derg RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was dispatched to the scene where the 40ft passenger vessel was aground on a rocky shoal off Bonaveen Point. Killaloe Coast Guard were also called out to the incident.

Using local knowledge and electronic navigation tools on board, the lifeboat navigated around two shallow shoals to make a safe approach to the stern of the casualty vessel.

It was confirmed that the passenger boat was not taking on any water but there was a significant hazard on its starboard side.

All 40 people on board were confirmed to be safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets.

Given the number of casualties on board, the location and the weather conditions on the lake — with northwesterly Force 4-5 winds gusting Force 6 — the RNLI lifeboat helm decided to take the vessel off the shoal and asled Killaoe Coast Guard to come alongside and take six passengers off to lighten its load.

With the casualty vessel towed off the rocky shoal, the lifeboat crew advised it to centre its rudder and make any adjustments necessary to follow directly behind the lifeboat.

The passenger vessel had no apparent damage to its engine or props and was able to make way under its own power as it was escorted to the safety of Castle Harbour at Portumna.

Peter Kennedy, deputy launching authority at Lough Derg RNLI commended both Lough Derg RNLI and Killaloe Coast Guard “for their swift response and excellent teamwork in effecting a challenging rescue in testing conditions”.

Paddy Conaghan worked in tunnels in Thailand, Hong Kong, Denmark, the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and every place from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

But he says his greatest achievement was driving and ducking 515 times at beaches clockwise around Ireland as he celebrated his 82nd birthday.

Paddy set off on his latest quest on 4 December, having previously faced the challenge of diving off as many piers as possible anti-clockwise around Ireland.

His first challenge raised over €100,000 for local counselling service Gemma’s Legacy of Hope. And his chosen charities this time include one close to his heart: the RNLI.

“I chose the RNLI because I am very familiar with the work they do in saving lives at sea,” Paddy said. “We have a lifeboat on Arranmore since 1883 that has saved many lives and I thought the RNLI would be a safe bet if I got into bother in my ventures around the coast. They also rely on fundraising by the public so I hope I can raise some money for them.”

Paddy was supported at every swim by people who turned out to swim with him, supplied him with food, towels and the odd bottle of whiskey to stave off the cold.

Owners of the Arranmore Blue Ferry, Seamus and Louise Boyle supplied him with a van and kitted it out with bedding and cooking appliances and Paddy chose to stay full-time in the van despite many offers of bed and breakfast. Paddy felt it added to the challenge to stay in the van, enduring temperatures of -2 degrees.

Prior to completing his final swim at Maghery beach in Donegal, Paddy was thinking of how this venture might end and came up with the idea of leaving his final swim for somebody else to start a similar challenge.

In Paddy’s own words: “I would really like somebody else to continue this challenge on a yearly basis, always leaving Maghery beach for the next challenger. I am so glad to have completed the circuit twice, it gave me a great sense of satisfaction to do something for the various charities, I wasn’t doing much else with my life.”

Nora Flanagan, Arranmore RNLI volunteer lifeboat press officer spoke to Paddy on arrival back in Arranmore last Sunday 13 March and said: “Paddy is the most unassuming, modest man I have the pleasure to know.

“I asked him about his World Open Water Swimming Awards Man of the Year award, an award which celebrates individuals and offerings that embody the spirit of open-water swimming and have positively impacted the community, showcasing their determination, fortitude, sense of adventure, tenacity and perseverance, and he said he didn’t think he deserved it because many people swim in the sea. Yes they do, but not many would dive into the sea several times a day around Ireland in the middle of winter to raise funds for charity.

“The RNLI is a charitable institution which relies on people like Paddy to help keep the lifeboats afloat. Many people volunteer with the RNLI as crew, fundraisers and shore crew and together our one aim is to support the lifeboats to continue saving lives.

“I asked Paddy what he’s going to do now with time on his hands and all he said was, ‘I’m thinking’ and I have no doubt that he is.”

If you wish to donate to Paddy’s charities, visit his iDonate page HERE.

Galway RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew were requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard at 9.35am on St Patrick’s Day (Friday 17 March) following a report of a swimmer in difficulty off Blackrock Diving Tower in Salthill.

The inshore lifeboat was quickly launched and proceeded immediately to the scene. The Galway Fire Service was also tasked and they assisted the swimmer ashore.

Weather conditions were good with a Force 3 southerly breeze.

Paul Carey, Galway RNLI deputy launching authority who was on scene at Salthill said: “A great outcome in this case. Two people were swimming together and one of them appeared to get disorientated. Thankfully the alarm was raised quickly.

“Always remember if you see somebody in difficulty dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard. Always respect the water.”

The volunteer lifeboat crew on board the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat were helm Brian Niland, Dave Oliver, James Rattigan and Ian Claxton supported by shore crew Shane Austin, Dave McGrath and Mike Cummins.

Both Clifden lifeboats were launched on Monday morning (13 March) to conduct a search after an EPIRB distress signal was detected by Malin Head Coast Guard in the area around Letterfrack in Co Galway.

An EPIRB, or emergency position indicating radio beacon, is a device to alert search and rescue services in case of an emergency out at sea.

Deputy launching authority Saul Joyce launched Clifden RNLI’s Shannon class all-weather lifeboat St Christopher under the command of coxswain Alan Pryce with mechanic Joe Acton, navigator Dan Whelan and crew of Andy Bell, Chris Nee and John Heffernan.

The all-weather lifeboat made best speed to the search area of Mullaghloss on the Renvyle peninsula. While that boat was en route and with more information becoming available, Clifden RNLI’s Atlantic 85 was launched with Thomas Davis at the helm and crew of Kevin Ryan and Shane Conneely.

The Irish Coast Guard’s Sligo-based helicopter Rescue 118 was also tasked to search along with Cleggan Coast Guard units.

An extensive search was carried out of the reported areas by all assets with a large portion of the north Connemara coast searched. With all involved satisfied that there was no vessel in distress in the area, the coastguard stood down all assets and the volunteer crews returned to station.

Clifden RNLI coxswain Alan Pryce said Monday’s call “demonstrates how a well coordinated multi-agency search can cover a very large area thoroughly and efficiently.

“Thankfully there was no vessel in distress on this occasion but we remain ready to respond every time the pager goes.”

Speaking about EPIRBs, Pryce added: “Emergency beacons are a lifesaving piece of equipment, I would encourage any boat owners to check the service status and registration details of any beacons on board. If you don’t have an EPIRB you should consider getting one because they will help search and rescue services to pinpoint the location of a vessel in distress.”

Fethard RNLI in Co Wexford is in search of new people to join its volunteer team in a variety of lifesaving roles.

The station will host an open day over St Patrick’s weekend from 11am-1pm next Saturday morning (18 March) and want anyone who has an interest in volunteering to come along and find out more.

The station is particularly keen to recruit new volunteer lifeboat shore crew and enhance its fundraising crew.

Patrick O’Regan has been a crew member for four years, having joined in 2019. He says it was his desire to help in the community and give back that encouraged him to get involved.

“I had always wanted to help out in my local community,” he says, “and to make a difference. The sea and the dangers associated with it have always fascinated me. Joining the RNLI gave me the opportunity to help save lives at sea.“”

All crew members on joining receive full competency based training. “I have found training to be invaluable,” Patrick adds, “and an exciting way to learn new skills such as first aid and boat handling in an environment where questions are welcomed and encouraged to ensure we have a highly competent crew who are prepared for every eventuality.“”

As for what he derives most satisfaction from, Patrick says: “The most rewarding part of being a volunteer with the RNLI is making a measurable difference to the charity’s purpose of saving lives at sea while also expanding my knowledge of the sea and learning essential skills.”

Fethard RNLI crew member Patrick O’Regan has been a volunteer for four years | Credit: RNLI/Fethard

The roles you can apply for are varied, as Eileen Murphy found when she joined almost 17 years ago and soon became a driver.

“My great grandfather was Patrick Cullen who lost his life on the Helen Blake,” Eileen says. “My mother was very involved in the upkeep of the monument, and it was important to keep the connection with the lifeboat.

“I joined to help in whatever way I could and became a driver on the station Land Rover that brings our D class lifeboat to its launching point once the pagers go off and the crew are kitted up.”

Eileen has also found the learning over the years to be invaluable: “The training has been fantastic. I have done off-road driving, radio and casualty care courses. I would never have got to do any of that except for the RNLI.”

As for what Eileen finds most rewarding, she says: “You feel you are contributing to a very good cause which is important to me. I have learned new skills and the sense of satisfaction you feel is great. You also make new friends.”

Walter Foley, Fethard RNLI’s lifeboat operations manager said the team is looking forward to welcoming anyone who is interested in finding out more to the open day.

“Volunteering with us gives people the opportunity to make a real difference in their local community, to save lives and become part of the larger RNLI family,” he says. “We can’t keep people safe without the support of our wonderful volunteers, who truly make a difference every day no matter which role they are fulfilling.

“We’re looking for enthusiastic people to come along on Saturday morning and see what is involved and learn how they can play their part. The RNLI provides first-class training and equipment, guidance and support to all volunteers, from lifeboat crew to shore crew to fundraising crew.

“So, no matter the time or the skill you can offer, it is our hope that this can be the beginning of something exciting for new volunteers as it was for Patrick and Eileen some years ago while also allowing Fethard RNLI to continue its great work in saving lives at sea.”

A Sligo Bay RNLI helm has been celebrated as a finalist for the inaugural Captain Dara Fitzpatrick Award, hosted by the Irish Paramedicine Education and Research Network (IPERN).

Eithne Davis was nominated for the award by her lifeboat station team and, having been selected as a finalist, she attended a special ceremony at the University of Limerick on Wednesday (8 March) to mark International Women’s Day.

Five finalists were shortlisted by the IPERN Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Special Interest Group to award and recognise an inspirational female colleague working in the Irish pre-hospital community.

Frances Griffin of the National Ambulance Service picked up the award, which pays tribute to Captain Dara Fitzpatrick’s powerful legacy. Eithne was among the five finalists selected for embodying Dara’s values of compassion and kindness, strength and bravery, leadership and teamwork, and professionalism.

In submitting Eithne’s nomination, Sligo Bay RNLI said the station had a proud history of a strong representation of female crew.

“Eithne joined Sligo Bay RNLI at its inception in April 1998 and has been a steadfast member of the team since,” it said. “Her volunteering role with the RNLI spanned her life stages of rearing a young family, through various jobs and roles, to this year completing her doctorate in environmental studies. Over the past 25 years in all circumstances, she has carried her RNLI pager and been on call ready to launch to those in need of help at sea.

“She has been an outstanding member of the crew, was appointed our first female Helm in 1999, is a seagoing casualty carer and most recently was appointed as the station’s first local trainer and assessor. Of significance also is the fact that she was the first ever RNLI-retained inshore lifeboat mechanic in the fleet.

“In her 25 years, she has launched on service 164 times, involving 169 hours at sea, trained at sea for over 396 hours, and has been directly involved in the saving of nine lives, not to mention the other 131 people she has assisted, many requiring casualty care.

“Launching in an open lifeboat always requires bravery, but Eithne would not consider herself as anyone special. In one incident in very rough weather, when responding to a surfer in difficulty, the lifeboat slammed hard off a large wave and Eithne was injured.

“She pressed on with the callout towards the casualty only to stand down on notification that the person had gotten ashore safely. Eithne took a couple of weeks off to recover and then was back on the lifeboat as eager as always. If queried, her self-effacing attitude would likely be, ‘Sure it’s what we do, isn’t it?’”