Displaying items by tag: Galbraith Hamilton Grills

1st November 2010

Special Plaque Remembers Portrush Lifeboat Tragedy

A Special plaque presented to Portrush Lifeboat in honour of those who have lost their lives On the 1st November 1889 the Portrush Lifeboat launched to a boat in peril at Portballintrae. A ship had been reported in difficulties near the White Rocks and the Portrush lifeboat 'The Robert and Agnes Blair' set off swept along the coast by high winds. Less than an hour later the lifeboat was lying damaged on the beach east of Portballintrae and, three of the crew that set out that night were dead. The Robert and Agnes Blair was a new Lifeboat and the third lifeboat to be sent to Portrush. The boat had been at Portrush barely and month and this was her first callout.
The three volunteer crew men who lost their lives were James McAlister, a local fisherman, William McNeill and Galbraith Hamilton Grills, the Chief Officer of the Coastguard at Portrush.
To-day on the anniversary of that tragic night, William McNeill's great grandson Ronald Handy and his wife Lily presented the Station with a plaque in memory of the three crew men who lost their lives on that November night in 1889.
On an interesting note, Tracey McAlister the great great granddaughter of James McAlister is presently the press officer for Portrush Fundraising team, thus continuing the family links with the Lifeboat.

Published in RNLI Lifeboats

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.