#RNLI - Portaferry RNLI's volunteer lifeboat crew were involved in the rescue of 23 canoeists who got into difficulty just off Castle Island in Strangford Lough yesterday afternoon (Saturday 17 May).

The call for help was received at 2.40pm and the volunteer lifeboat crew launched at 2.45pm.

They arrived at the scene just off Castle Island in Strangford Lough in Co Down 10 minutes later, finding six of the party of canoeists in the water.

Weather conditions at the time were cloudy with good visibility, with a slight sea swell and a Force 4 southerly wind.

The RNLI crew recovered two of the people from the water, while a small motor boat which had also come to the canoeists' aid took the other four on board.

The RNLI lifeboat crew then took their two casualties along with two canoes back to nearby Strangford Lough Yacht Club, where the casualties were put ashore into the care of HM Coastguard.

1. lifeboat crew then returned to the scene near Castle Island and from there escorted the remaining 17 members of the canoe party back to the safety of the yacht club.

Commenting on the rescue, Portaferry RNLI lifeboat operations manager Brian Bailie said: "Thankfully everyone was brought safely to shore and it is testament to the training and dedication of the volunteer RNLI crew that a potentially tragic situation was averted.

"Strangford Lough is an extremely popular location for groups of canoeists and it is vital that they take all necessary precautions when taking to the water."

#rnli – Crosshaven RNLI lifeboat was launched from Cork Harbour at 3.35pm this afternoon to a report of a 21' open crabber boat aground on the rocks East of Trabolgan with 1 person on board.

The skipper of the vessel had earlier caught his propellor in fishing gear and with the tide filling was driven onto the rocky shoreline.

Another fishing vessel stood by until the lifeboat arrived on scene. Crosshaven RNLI Volunteer Crew member Brian Ring entered the water with a tow rope and swam to the casualty and made fast the towline.

The lifeboat eventually dragged the boat off the rocks where the vessel was further checked for leaks and damage before handing over the tow to the stand by vessel, which was also going to Aghada village. Crosshaven Lifeboat then escorted both vessels into the harbour before returning to station at 5.40pm. Other crew on this service were Aidan O'Connor and Alan Barton.

#fireonboard – A man has been rescued off the West Wales coast today following a major fire on his boat.

The 26ft pleasure boat is still ablaze 600 metres off Aberystwyth and Coastguards are asking all vessels in the area to stay a mile from it as a precaution.

The vessel contains flares, some of which are going off at the scene, and a gas canister.

The RNLI Lifeboat from Aberystwyth is monitoring the situation and Aberystwyth Coastguard Rescue Team are also on standby on the shoreline to report any possible pollution and wreckage.

The RNLI Inshore Lifeboat from Aberystwyth rescued the man around 10:30am and he was taken by ambulance to hospital in the town.

Roger Reed, Watch Manager at Milford Haven Coastguard, said: "Resources were quickly on scene and the man isn't believed to have suffered any serious injuries.

"The boat is severely ablaze and there is a lot of smoke. We have put out a security broadcast advising other vessels in the area to stay well clear of it."

#RNLI - Arklow RNLI's lifeboat Ger Tigchlearr and its volunteer crew launched at first light yesterday morning (13 May) to go to the aid of a local fishing vessel.

Within minutes of the pager alert at 5.45am the lifeboat was making for the casualty vessel, which was approximately 16 miles south of Arklow, arriving on scene approximately 40 minutes later.

Once in position, the lifeboat crew secured a tow line to the casualty vessel, a 45ft local fishing vessel with four crew members aboard that had developed engine trouble and was adrift.

When the lifeboat crew made fast the towline, they proceeded to tow the casualty vessel back to Arklow. Upon arrival shortly after 9.30am, the casualty vessel was brought alongside where the crew came ashore safely.

Commenting later, Arklow RNLI lifeboat sea safety officer Mark Corcoran said: “Even experienced fishermen and sailors can be caught out while at sea, be prepared, never take chances and always wear a lifejacket.”

The volunteer crew for this shout were coxswain Ned Dillon, mechanic Michael Fitzgerald, Eddie McElheron, Andrew Loughlin, Jimmy Myler, Craig O’Reilly and James Russell.

#RNLI - Wicklow RNLI launched to assist a yacht in difficulty before 10am yesterday morning (Sunday 11 May) just as lifeboat volunteers were preparing to launch on a crew exercise in Wicklow Bay.

The call for assistance from the yacht with three people on board was received by the Irish Coast Guard, who tasked Wicklow RNLI to the scene.

Both of the station’s lifeboats were immediately launched to attend to the 27-foot yacht, which was located one mile south of Wicklow Head.

The yacht’s tiller had snapped and the crew had lost all steering control. Conditions in the area were moderately windy, with a westerly Force 4 in moderate seas.

Lifeboat crew members John Vize and Paul Sillery were put on the yacht to assist with establishing a towline. Once this was completed, the vessel was taken in tow by the all-weather lifeboat.

With no tiller on the yacht the tow back to Wicklow was slow; a drogue was rigged to assist with the progress.

The lifeboat arrived back in the harbour at 12.10pm and the yacht with three crew was secured safely alongside the East Pier.

The crew on the all-weather lifeboat were coxswain Ciaran Doyle, mechanic Brendan Copeland, Carol Flahive, Connie O’Gara, John Vize and Alan Goucher. The inshore lifeboat crew were helm Mark Kavanagh, Paul Sillery and Matt Doyle.

#rnli – After 39 years of dedication to Howth RNLI, 27 years as lifeboat coxswain, Robert Duffy has retired. Thanks to his bravery and determination, he helped to save hundreds of lives at sea during his time as a volunteer crew member. Fred Connolly, a crew member of long standing will be taking over as Howth RNLI's new coxswain.

A native of Howth, when he was a child Robert used to scamper to the top of the pier with his friends to watch as the lifeboat was launched and sped out of Howth harbor to rescue mariners in distress. When he was old enough he joined his brothers George, Jim and Michael on the lifeboat crew. His skills and expertise as a seafarer were invaluable in his role as coxswain; he was looked up to and respected by all the crew.

"Robert was an extremely skilled coxswain and gave remarkable service to Howth Lifeboat for almost forty years. He deserves a long and healthy retirement from the lifeboat service," said Rupert Jeffares the Lifeboat Operations Manager with Howth RNLI.

Russell Rafter, Chairman Howth RNLI commented, 'On behalf of everyone at Howth RNLI I'd like to acknowledge the selfless dedication and personal sacrifices made by Robert Duffy during his time as a crew member with the lifeboat in Howth. Many people owe their lives to Robert. He will be sorely missed and we wish him and his wife Margaret all the best for the future.'

#rnli – Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat launched in winds gusting F8 last night, to assist nine people on board a 40–ft cruiser, suffering engine failure.

At 6.35pm on Saturday evening, May 10, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat to launch to assist a vessel reported adrift in severe weather conditions, close to Hare Island.

The lifeboat launched at 7.35pm with Helm Eleanor Hooker, Ger Egan and Lian Knight on board. Winds were south westerly, Force 7/8, gusting F8, visibility was moderate, with frequent line squalls. The RNLI lifeboat came alongside the cruiser at 6.50pm.

There were nine people on board the casualty vessel, all wearing lifejackets. Some of the group quite anxious given the weather conditions. They had travelled the length of the lake from Terryglass and suffered engine failure at Hare Island. All their mobile telephones were out of charge. A member of the public, who had observed their plight from the shore, alerted the emergency services.

Crew on the casualty vessel, which had been adrift for 45 minutes, had dropped anchor, but as it was not holding, had created a sea anchor with a large bucket on a line. This slowed the drift of the boat and prevented it from being pushed into the shallows, but, as they were lying side on to the weather, there was significant yaw and roll.

An RNLI crewmember boarded the vessel and checked for any other potential problems. None were found. Once a tow was set up, they weighed anchor and took in the sea drogue and the casualty vessel was towed to Garrykenndy Harbour. Conditions were worsening during the tow, but at 7.16pm the cruiser was tied safely alongside in Garrykennedy.

Once alongside, one of the people on board showed signs of severe sea sickness. The RNLI crew administered First Aid and when satisfied that he was responding well, left him in the care of his companions, one of whom was a medical doctor.

Lough Derg RNLI helm Eleanor Hooker said 'these are the conditions the RNLI volunteer crew train for'. She praised her fellow crew for their professionalism and efficiency under such extreme weather, saying 'we worked as a team to bring these people and their boat safely to shore'.

The Lifeboat returned to station and was ready for service again at 8.30pm.

#RNLI - The family of late musician Rory Gallagher have generously donated a replica Fender Stratocaster guitar, along with his original Oberheimer warm-up amplifier and stencilled flight case, to raise funds for Ballycotton RNLI.

The items will be auctioned later this month in aid of the Cork lifeboat station, whose lifeboat crew save lives at sea all year round.

The California-made Oberheim studio amp (serial 003), which was purchased by the guitarist in the mid 1970s, is extremely rare and remains in good working order.

These items will be offered for bidding as part of Whyte's Pop & Rock Memorabilia auction on Saturday 31 May from 4pm-6pm.

Viewing will be at Whyte’s galleries in Molesworth Street on Thursday 29 and Friday 30 May from 10am-5pm and Saturday 31 May from 9am-noon. Whyte’s have generously agreed to waive their commission so that all proceeds will go to the RNLI.

Dónal Gallagher, brother of the late blues-rock musician, said: "Rory would visit Ballycotton, where he was inspired to write material. This part of the country was very special to him and our family is delighted to be able to do this for Ballycotton RNLI.

"The volunteer lifeboat crew based there launches their lifeboat in all weathers and to all types of emergencies, saving lives at sea and helping those in trouble. 

"I hope people who have a love of Rory’s music and are interested in the auction will take pleasure in knowing that in purchasing this incredible guitar and Rory’s own amp and flight case, that they are helping a great charity."

Speaking on Gallagher family’s kind donation to the charity, chair of the Ballycotton RNLI fundraising branch, Fiona Flynn, said: "We are extremely honoured by the Gallagher family’s kind donation... Rory Gallagher is one of the most respected and talented musicians ever to come out of Ireland and we are delighted that his family have chosen Ballycotton lifeboat station to benefit from this special auction."

Last year Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat launched 28 times and rescued 10 people. The majority of lifeboat crews are volunteers who undergo rigorous training to deal with every type of emergency at sea.

#RNLI - A fishing vessel that developed steering trouble in Belfast Lough was towed to safety by Donaghadee RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat Saxon, assisted by Bangor RNLI’s inshore lifeboat.

The Donaghadee lifeboat launched at 3.20pm yesterday (Friday 9 May) after a request from Belfast Coastguard.

At the scene, six miles north-east of Orlock Point, a secure tow-line was established to the stricken trawler, which had a crew of six.

The vessel was towed to Bangor Harbour where the crew of Bangor’s Atlantic class lifeboat Jessie Hillyard assisted, safely guiding the trawler to a berth at the Eisenhower Pier. The Donaghdee lifeboat stood down at 5.40pm.

Donaghadee RNLI’s lifeboat operations manager Alan Couser said: “This rescue was a fine example of swift action and good teamwork by two lifeboat crews. Another potential tragedy has been averted.”

Elsewhere, a 75-foot fishing boat St Claire was finally towed to safety in Cork Harbour by the Courtmacsherry lifeboat last night after a marathon 11-hour operation.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the vessel had got into difficulties earlier in the day some 35 miles off the West Cork coast.

Poor sea conditions with strong winds resulted in a slowed return journey to shore.

Courtmacsherry RNLI deputy launching authority Dermot O'Mahony said: "All aboard the trawler were mighty pleased to be in safe harbour tonight. 

"I would like to commend the volunteer lifeboat crew on their quick response for what has turned out to be a lengthy call-out."

The lifeboat crew on yesterday's call-out were coxswain Sean O 'arrell, mechanic Stewart Russell and crew Dara Gannon, Ken Cashman, Gary Barrett, Ciaran Hurley and Dave Philips.

#lifeboat – Courtmacsherry RNLI All Weather Lifeboat continues to tow a 75–foot fishing vessel that had got into difficulties earlier today 35 miles off Courtmacsherry in West Cork. It is now proceeding to take the trawler to the safefy of Cork Harbour. As the conditions at sea today are poor with strong winds, it will be 7.30 pm this evening before both vessels arrive at the mouth of the Harbour. Following the successful location of the stricken Trawler at 10 am this morning, both vessels are making slow pace in poor conditions. There are six crew on board the fishing vessel.