In the first of three separate rescues within a 24-hour period this week, Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore relief lifeboat launched on Monday (10 July) to assess a 27ft vessel with two people on board which had mechanical issues around a mile northeast of Knockninny on Upper Lough Erne in Northern Ireland.

The volunteer lifeboat crew launched at the request of Belfast Coastguard at 3.45pm and located the casualty vessel which had broken down and had deployed its anchor to avoid them drifting ashore.

Winds were southwesterly Force 3 with a gentle breeze, and visibility was fair with heavy showers.

The crew assessed the casualties and found them to be safe and well and wearing lifejackets. The lifeboat helm then carried out a risk assessment of the casualty vessel.

Due to the craft having no propulsion, and being anchored in the main navigation channel, it was decided that the safest option would be to set up a stern tow and bring it back to its moorings.

A lifeboat crew member stayed onboard the casualty vessel to assist while it was being towed back and upon arrival it was safety secured its berth.

The following afternoon, the inshore lifeboat launched at 2.11pm following reports of a 30ft vessel with 2 people on board which had got into difficulties in shallow water close to Naan Island.

It was also confirmed by Belfast Coastguard that another vessel, a 27ft boat with two people on board, had also got into difficulties in the same area trying to assist the initial vessel.

Winds on Tuesday afternoon were southwesterly Force 3 with a gentle breeze; visibility was good with partly cloudy skies.

Once on scene, the volunteer crew located two vessels in close proximity, both of which had got into difficulties in shallow water. The first vessel with two people onboard was assessed and it was decided with the owner’s permission to safely refloat and tow it into deeper water. This was carried out successfully.

With the first vessel in safe water and operating under its own power, attention turned to assess and assist the second vessel which was further aground.

The volunteer lifeboat crew had requested for the owner to empty their water tanks to assist with the refloating, and during this process the casualty vessel began to float and drifted out of the shallows and into deeper water.

While safety and operation checks were being carried out with the hep of the lifeboat crew, the owner found that his vessel would no longer start.

The lifeboat helm decided that the safest option was to set up a stern tow, and a lifeboat crew member stayed onboard the casualty vessel while it was towed back to the closest public marina.

Speaking following the call-outs, Chris Cathcart, volunteer helm at Carrybridge RNLI had advice for aal boat users: “Now we are in the summer season, we would urge all boat owners to carry out regular maintenance checks on your vessel, make sure you have the relevant charts required before starting your journey, lifejackets for all on board and a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble.

“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.”

Five Kilrush RNLI volunteers have received meritorious awards from the RNLI for their part in a 2020 rescue that saved the lives of three people in storm-force conditions.

Shannon Foynes Port Company were also recognised by the charity for their support to the station during the call-out.

On Monday (10 July), Anna Classon, RNLI Head of Region presented helm Tom Blunnie with a RNLI Chairman’s Letter of Thanks and volunteer lifeboat crew members Ian Lynch, Charlie Glynn and Ger Keane with a Chief Executive’s Commendation.

Fintan Keating, the Kilrush lifeboat launching authority, received a Lifesaving Operations Director’s Letter of Commendation for his role in the service.

And a Operations Director’s Commendation was awarded to Shannon Foynes Port Company for their collaborative and valued support in the rescue.

On 28 June 2020 at 11.25pm, Kilrush Lifeboat station was notified by Valentia Coast Guard that a 7m vessel with three people onboard was in grave danger, seven nautical miles south-west of Kilrush lifeboat station in Co Clare.

Weather conditions were near storm force from the northwest, with squally rain, poor visibility and heavy swell in the Shannon estuary. High water was due just after midnight and the flood tide would contribute to a worsened sea state.

Fintan Keating, alongside deputy launching authorities Shawna Johnson and Paul Coady, considered and accepted the launch request.

Upon launch, further communications confirmed the casualty crew were attempting to move their vessel to the harbour at Carrigaholt. However, they had suffered engine failure and were taking on water, drifting towards shipping lanes.

Kilrush lifeboat helm Tom Blunnie, supported by crew members Ian Lynch, Charlie Glynn and Ger Keane, commenced a search for the casualty.

In challenging sea conditions, the casualty vessel was located with assistance from Shannon Foynes Port Company’s Pilot Station.

On arrival, it was found that the casualty crew were unsuccessfully attempting to bail out water, and they were quickly transferred from their now submerged boat onto the lifeboat

Working swiftly as one crew, a towline was established and a course set for Carrigaholt pier. The vessel was safely towed to the pier and the casualties handed into the care of family members.

The charity found that the prompt actions ensured three lives were saved.

Shawna Johnson, acknowledged the tremendous efforts of the team at Kilrush Lifeboat station: “I am incredibility proud reading the Letters of Commendation received by the volunteers involved in the rescue. Exceptional leadership, determination and commitment, were used to describe the efforts of our crew.

“It was a challenging service and undoubtedly the actions of Kilrush RNLI saved three lives.”

In presenting the awards, Anna Classon added: “It fills me with pride to come to Kilrush and present these awards. The actions of the crew that night, carried out in weather conditions, that were on the operational limits of the station’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat, were incredibly brave.

“Our volunteers live and work in the communities where these rescues happen, putting aside time with families and in jobs, to go out in all weathers. Every lifeboat launch is about trust; in each other, in the equipment used to save lives, in the training given and in our search and rescue partners.”

The volunteer crew of Aran Islands RNLI were requested to launch their all-weather Severn class lifeboat at 6.05pm on Monday (10 July) to attend a person on Inis Mór who was experiencing a health issue and indeed of further medical attention.

The patient was transferred safely aboard the lifeboat at Kilronan Harbour under the supervision of the volunteer crew. The lifeboat then launched under coxswain Aonghus O hIarnáin and a full crew for the mainland.

Conditions at the time of launching were good, with a Force 3 northerly wind blowing.

It was the second call-out in three days for the Aran Islands volunteers, who were also requested to launch early on Saturday morning (8 July) after a yacht broke its mooring at Kilronan Harbour and had run aground close to a rocky beach.

Shortly after 6.30am on Saturday, the Severn class lifeboat launched under coxswain Aonghus Ó hIarnáin and proceeded towards the yacht in challenging conditions, with a strong Force 8 southerly wind blowing.

Two members of the volunteer crew then launched the Y-boat, the 3m inflatable boat aboard the lifeboat, to allow the crew to get to the yacht in shallow water.

A tow line was established to the 24ft sailing yacht and it was pulled clear of the rocks on the in coming tide before being towed safely to the pier.

The yacht, a 24ft sailing vessel was was then towed safely to the pier.

Speaking after the call-outs, Ó hIarnáin said: “There was a good outcome to the yacht rescue what could have been a tricky situation, with the weather conditions becoming increasingly challenging.

“We also want to wish the patient who took ill yesterday a speedy recovery.”

The crew on Saturday’s call-out with Ó hIarnáin were mechanic Alan O'Flynn and crew members Joe Gill, Daniel O’Connell and Caelan Cullen Quinn. On Monday’s call-out with Ó hIarnáin were mechanic Máirtín Eoin Coyne, Caelan Cullen Quinn, Daniel O’Connell and Máirtín Dé Bhailis.

RNLI volunteers across the island of Ireland took to the pitch during Sunday’s (9 July) All-Ireland senior hurling championship semi-final at Croke Park, to promote the charity’s water safety partnership with the GAA.

Before the throw-in at the Clare vs Kilkenny decider and in front of thousands gathered at the stadium, RNLI volunteers— dressed in their full lifeboat kit—unfurled a giant flag showing an all-weather lifeboat in action.

A second group of RNLI crew wearing county jerseys unfurled a flag with a water safety message, calling on everyone to Float to Live.

Then at half-time, the crew took to the pitch once again as interviews were done by Ballygunner and Waterford GAA’s Dessie Hutchinson, alongside Lisa Hollingum, RNLI area lifesaving manager.

Six years on, the RNLI and GAA water safety partnership serves to raise awareness of drowning prevention and to educate communities on how to stay safe in and around the water.

The partnership is part of the GAA Healthy Clubs programme and has seen RNLI lifeboat crew visiting GAA clubs around Ireland to deliver water safety talks to all age groups.

RNLI volunteers came together at Croke Park on Sunday 9 July to promote their crucial water safety campaign | Credit: Sportsfile

Speaking about Sunday’s event in Croke Park, Lisa Hollingum said: “Our partnership highlights the shared values between ourselves in the RNLI and the GAA, notably volunteerism and the importance of communities. It was a privilege for our RNLI crew to be invited to Croke Park on such a big day in the GAA’s championship calendar and to have the opportunity to promote a key drowning prevention message, float to live.

“If you find yourself struggling in the water unexpectedly, your instinct will tell you to swim hard. But cold water shock could make you gasp uncontrollably. Then you could breathe in water and drown.

“Instead, we want you to float to live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged, Relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands to help you stay afloat. It’s OK if your legs sink. Spread your arms and legs to improve stability.”

Commenting on the partnership, Dessie Hutchinson—a native of Dunmore East where the RNLI has a Shannon class lifeboat—said: “Growing up along the coast in Dunmore East, the sea surrounded me, and I have watched over the years as fishermen and visitors use it for both business and leisure.

“It has always been so reassuring for everyone in the community to have a lifeboat station powered by a dedicated team of volunteers who we know in any given moment will drop what they are doing to respond to their pager and go to the aid of someone in need.

“That’s why I am so delighted to see the GAA and RNLI come together in a water safety partnership as our shared values of volunteerism and pride in where we belong can make a real lifesaving difference.”

In recognition of the long career of RNLI coxswain John O’Donnell and the close relationship with the Aran Islands RNLI, last week the Galway RNLI crew presented a framed picture of the lifeboats from both stations to O’Donnell to mark his retirement.

Mike Swan, Galway RNLI lifeboat operations manager who made the presentation said: “The ties between the Galway and Aran Islands lifeboat stations go right back to the late ’90s when the Galway station was first operational.

“At that time some of the Aran RNLI crew were studying in Galway and living in the city during the week and as it wasn’t always possible for them to get back to Aran for their training exercises, they joined our crew for training.

“I’ve known John since before he joined the RNLI in 2003 and then when he became the coxswain for the Aran Islands lifeboat and I took up the role of lifeboat operations manager for Galway, our roles meant that over the years we were at meetings together with the coastguard and other emergency services, along with events and training at the RNLI bases in Dublin and Poole, England.”

Swan added: “The crews at both lifeboat stations have been on many joint rescues over the years. Although there is an imaginary line from Spiddal in Galway to Black Head in Co Clare that divides the area of Galway Bay that each station is responsible for, in reality — when there is a long rescue that requires all available resources or a search for a missing boat that has no last known location — the boundary becomes irrelevant and we work together as one crew.

“There have been many difficult nights on the water and challenging situations but when we look back on the 21 years that John was involved in the Aran Islands lifeboat, it is the friendships and camaraderie that we will remember.

“I was delighted to present a photo of our two lifeboats to John on behalf of the entire crew in Galway. In the photo you can see the Aran Islands all-weather lifeboat David Kirkaldy out on the bay with the Galway inshore lifeboat, Binny in the foreground.

“We wish John every happiness on his retirement from the RNLI and even though he will be as busy as ever, he won’t have to think about the pager going off at all hours any more.”

Larne RNLI were requested to launch on Friday afternoon (7 July) to reports of a kayaker in the water at Portmuck.

Both of Larne’s lifeboats launched after pagers sounded at 5.24pm and made their way towards the casualty’s last reported location at Portmuck on Islandmagee, on Northern Ireland’s East Antrim coast.

The casualty’s kayak was discovered roughly half a mile north of Muck Island but there was no sign of any person nearby.

The all-weather lifeboat, Dr John McSaprron, continued the search for the casualty and found them in the water near to Portmuck Harbour holding onto their kayak’s paddle and being supported with a buoyancy aid.

The casualty was quickly recovered onto the all-weather lifeboat where they were checked to ensure they were not injured or suffering from any effects of being in the cold water.

Apart from feeling cold, the casualty was well and in good spirits.

Meanwhile, the smaller inshore lifeboat, Terry, had been requested to recover the casualty’s kayak from the earlier reported location north of Muck Island.

Once the kayak was recovered, the inshore lifeboat met up with the all-weather lifeboat and the casualty was transferred into the smaller, more manoeuvrable boat so that they could be brought to the shelter of Portmuck Harbour and the care of the local mobile coastguard team.

Speaking after the call-out, Allan Dorman, Larne RNLI lifeboat operations manager said: “We’d like to thank the member of the public who called the coastguard when they saw the casualty fall into the water. Without their timely call, this could have had a very different result.

“It’s essential when you plan to go on the water that you have a buoyancy aid or some form of flotation device and it is important to make sure you have a way of contacting the shore should you get into difficulties on the water.

“Remember, if you see anyone in trouble at sea or get into difficulty yourself, contact 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

Enniskillen RNLI volunteers launched their inshore lifeboat at 2pm on Monday (3 July), following a request from Belfast Coastguard to check a 17ft fishing boat reported to have all fishing equipment onboard and drifting close to Hare Island.

Winds were westerly, Force 4 at the time and visibility was clear on Lower Lough Erne in Northern Ireland at time of launching.

Arriving on scene, the crew observed the boat with no one onboard. The lifeboat, helmed by Paul Keown and with three crew onboard, subsequently conducted a search of all the islands in the area including the shoreline.

The owner of the boat was meanwhile contacted and found to be safe and well. It transpired that the boat had broken from its moorings.

Speaking following the call-out, Keown said: “While the boat had broken from its moorings, there was an initial concern that someone may be missing as the equipment was onboard.

“We would like to commend the member of the public who raised the alarm when they were concerned, that is always the right thing to do. We would always much rather launch and find that all is safe and well than not launch at all.”

Local school groups, community associations, supporters of the charity and many donors have made the new boathouse at Lough Ree RNLI one of the emerging visitor attractions in the Midlands with last month been one of the busiest periods to date.

More than 200 people visited the station for the Lough Ree RNLI Open Day on Saturday 10 June. It was an event that proved particularly successful with visitors delighted to have the opportunity to walk through the new facility and get a close-up look at the charity’s lifeboat, the Tara Scougall.

Volunteer crew were on hand to give the guided tours with face-painting a great hit for younger visitors and the RNLI Shop a great attraction for adults.

A guest from St Hilda’s Special School in Athlone enjoying a boat trip during Lough Ree RNLI’s joint initiative with Lough Ree Access for All on Friday 16 June

In a special collaboration with Lough Ree Access for All, volunteers hosted a wonderful group from St Hilda’s Special School in Athlone on Friday 16 June. The day-long event allowed the visitors to experience the Lough Ree RNLI facility followed by a trip on the access boat which had come south from Lanesboro for the occasion.

Paul Kelly, Lough Ree RNLI station visits officer said: “It is always great to welcome the public to the station. They get to see the environment where we train and operate and RNLI volunteers are delighted to have the opportunity to share life saving tips and advice with our guests.”

Organised group visits will begin again in the autumn and interested parties should make contact on the Lough Ree RNLI website or Facebook page.

Already this summer, many day trippers to Coosan Point have had the opportunity to visit when volunteers were at the lifeboat station. Among those were Hugh Hanlon and Kevin Power from Arklow, Co Wicklow — members of the aptly named ‘Iron Butt Association’, a community of long-distance motorcyclists.

Lough Ree RNLI operations manager Kevin Ganly

The association hosts the annual Wolfhound Rally which this year has asks members to photograph themselves and their bikes outside 15 named lifeboat stations between May and September. The lads left Lough Ree heading for Achill Island.

On the water things, remain busy for Lough Ree RNLI with volunteers responding to 22 call-outs in the first half of the year.

Kevin Ganly, Lough Ree RNLI operations manager encourages everyone using the lake and river this summer to ‘“prepare before taking to the water, ensure that everyone has a floatation device and in the event of an emergency call 112 or 999 and ask for the coastguard.”

While Wicklow RNLI's volunteer crew were undergoing assessments on Wednesday evening (5 July), they were requested by the Irish Coast Guard to go to the assistance of a 40ft yacht with five people onboard which had lost all power on the Codling Bank.

The all-weather lifeboat Ruth and David Arthur had launched on exercise at 7pm under the command of coxswain Alan Goucher with five crew members and an RNLI assessor trainer onboard.

During the assessment, shortly after 8.30pm the lifeboat was diverted to go to the assistance of the yacht which was losing all power and had three crew who were suffering quite badly from sea sickness.

The assessment was quickly and safely brought to a finish and the crew made their best speed to the casualty near the Codling Bank, some 10 miles to the east of Wicklow Harbour. It was established that the casualty vessel had lost all power, had become unable to use its VHF radio and had no lighting.

Given the loss of power, the seasick crew and closing darkness, the coxswain decided to take the vessel under tow and make way for the nearest safe port at Wicklow Harbour.

Conditions on scene were described as blowing a southwesterly Force 4-5 wind with up to a one-metre swell.

The tow took approximately three hours, with the casualty vessel being safely secured alongside shortly after midnight. The crew of the casualty vessel were brought into the lifeboat station to be looked after while transport was arranged to bring them to their destination.

The incomplete parts of the assessment will now be rescheduled for another date.

Speaking after the call-out, Goucher said: “The crew were incredibly professional. The change in mindset from assessment to rescue happened instantly, allowing for a successful rescue. I look forward to the crew completing their assessments at a future date.”

Both Baltimore RNLI lifeboats were called out on Thursday morning (6 July) to assist a sailor whose yacht ran aground on rocks near Sherkin Island within Baltimore Harbour in West Cork.

The volunteer lifeboat crew launched both their all-weather lifeboat and inshore lifeboat shortly after 11.30am, following a request from the Irish Coast Guard to go to the assistance of a yacht which had run aground on Great Globe Rock near Sherkin Island.

Both lifeboat crews arrived at the yacht at 11.35am and after helm Jerry Smith and coxswain Aidan Bushe assessed the situation, it was decided a tow was necessary as the casualty vessel was unable to float free due to the strong southerly wind.

Volunteer inshore crew member Eoin O’Driscoll was put aboard the casualty vessel to assist rigging a tow from the all-weather lifeboat, and the yacht was towed off the rocks at 11.53am.

The all-weather lifeboat continued to tow the casualty vessel to Baltimore, the nearest safe and suitable shelter, arriving at the pier at 12.09pm. The tow was then passed to the inshore lifeboat for berthing, and the casualty vessel was secured alongside the pier in Baltimore Harbour at 12.12pm.

Conditions during the call-out were very fresh with a Force 6 southerly wind, a slight sea swell and poor visibility.

Baltimore RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat press officer Kate Callanan said: “This call-out was a great example of both our lifeboats and volunteer crews working together in difficult weather conditions, and being able to assist this sailor very quickly.

“If you get into difficulty at sea or on the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

The all-weather lifeboat crew included coxswain Aidan Bushe, mechanic Cathal Cottrell and crew members Sean McCarthy, Pat Collins, Emma Lupton and Brendan Cottrell. On the inshore lifeboat were helm Jerry Smith and crew members Eoin O’Driscoll and John Kearney. Assisting at the lifeboat station were Rianne Smith, Seamus O’Driscoll and Micheal Cottrell.