Youghal RNLI came to aid of a sailor onboard a broken-down 17ft pleasure boat that suffered engine failure some two-and-a-half miles south east of Youghal Lighthouse in East Cork.

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat at 11.11am on Thursday morning (20 July) following a report of a person onboard a broken-down Warrior 175 and were on the scene around five minutes later.

Weather conditions were described as very favourable with a northwesterly breeze on a ebbing tide.

Helmed by Alan Revins along with crew members Jack Nolan, Shane Buckley and Jason Innes, the lifeboat arrived at the location and the crew observed the man onboard was safe and well and did not require medical assistance.

Upon further assessment of the situation, one crew member boarded the vessel and a decision was made to establish a tow and bring the boat to its mooring at Ferry Point in Youghal Harbour.

Speaking after the call-out, Mark Nolan, Youghal RNLI deputy launching authority said: “The person onboard made the call for assistance by calling 999 and asking for the coastguard. He did the right thing by carrying a means of communication like a mobile phone and VHF radio and also by wearing his personal protective equipment — things we would always encourage people to do.”

Baltimore RNLI were called out to a medical emergency on Thursday evening (20 July) to Heir Island off the coast of West Cork.

The volunteer lifeboat crew launched their all-weather lifeboat at 5.06pm following a request from the Irish Coast Guard to provide medical assistance to a woman who had sustained an injury while visiting the island.

Arriving at Heir Island within 15 minutes, coxswain Aidan Bushe requested the immediate launch of the lifeboat’s Y-boat with two volunteer lifeboat crew, Rob O’Leary and Don O’Donovan, on board in order to quickly access the beach where the casualty was.

Due to the nature of the injury, and having spoken to a medical professional who was also assisting on the beach, Bushe felt that a medical evacuation by air was necessary and contacted the Irish Coast Guard to request a helicopter.

A HSE ambulance crew had arrived at the lifeboat station so while the two lifeboat crew remained on the beach, the lifeboat returned to the station in Baltimore, collected the two paramedics plus an additional lifeboat crew member and quickly returned to Heir Island.

The two paramedics were then transferred onto the beach by the Y-boat and care was handed over as they awaited the arrival of the coastguard’s Shannon-based helicopter Rescue 115, who airlifted the casualty to hospital for further treatment.

Conditions during the call-out were relatively calm with a northeasterly Force 2 wind and very little sea swell.

Speaking following the call-out, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI volunteer lifeboat press officer said: “This is a great example of a multi-agency rescue with Baltimore RNLI, the Irish Coast Guard and the National Ambulance Service all working together to assist in this medevac.

“We would like to wish to casualty a speedy recovery. If you find yourself in a medical emergency whilst on an island, call 999 or 112.”

There were six volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat: Coxswain Aidan Bushe, Mechanic Sean McCarthy and crew members Pat Collins, Don O’Donovan, Stuart Musgrave and Rob O’Leary.

Aran Islands RNLI carried out a medical evacuation on Wednesday afternoon (19 July) after a visitor had a biking accident.

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat at 3.31pm and proceed to the pontoon at Kilronan on the island of Inis Mór, where the patient was transferred safety aboard before the lifeboat headed straight for Rossaveal Harbour and the awaiting ambulance.

Conditions at the time of launching were good, with calm seas and a light breeze.

Speaking after the call-out, coxswain Aonghus Ó hIarnáin said: “This was another fast response time from the volunteer crew. We wish the patient a speedy recovery.“”

Joining Ó hIarnáin on the call-out were mechanic Mairtín Eoin Coyne and crew members Mairtín Dé Bhailis, Daniel O’Connell and Ciarán O’Donnell.

Courtmacsherry RNLI were called out just before midnight on Monday (17 July) by Valentia Coast Guard to go to the immediate aid of a 29ft yacht which had suffered mast, power and mechanical difficulties some 69 miles south of Courtmacsherry in West Cork.

The all-weather lifeboat Val Adnams, under coxswain Mark Gannon and a crew of five assembled from their beds at speed, was under way quickly in darkness to face into tough weather conditions at sea on Monday night and the early hours of Tuesday (18 July).

It emerged that the yacht was on passage from Cork to France with two people on board when they got into difficulties in bad weather.

As they were unable to raise the alarm on their own VHF radio, they fired two red distress flares which were spotted by the crew of the fishing vessel Harvest Reaper II a number of miles away, who immediately alerted the coastguard.

The lifeboat located the stricken yacht over 69 miles across the Irish Sea at 3.15am and in deteriorating sea and weather conditions, it was decided to take the yacht in tow and return under a safe speed to the nearest port of Courtmacsherry.

The Courtmacsherry lifeboat crew that were at sea on this call-out for over 14 hours as the darkness grew into light | Credit: RNLI/Courtmacsherry

After a marathon 11-hour tow, the yacht was returned to Courtmacsherry Pontoon at 2pm and its two crew werepleased to be back to be back on dry land after a very difficult night and morning.

Courtmacsherry RNLI’s lifeboat operations manager Brian O’Dwyer said: “It is not very often that red flares are the means of distress communications these days and the importance of having these on board the yacht was ever so important this morning.

“It was great to see nearly two voluntary crews and officers arrive quickly at midnight, within minutes of their bleepers being activated, in order to help others in distress at sea.

“We are so proud of how our new Shannon class lifeboat performed in this, our longest call-out in over a decade and also in very poor conditions.”

The Courtmacsherry lifeboat volunteer crew on today’s marathon mission were coxswain Mark Gannon, mechanic Dave Philips and crew members Ken Cashman, Tadgh McCarthy, Denis Murphy and Donal Young.

Courtown RNLI in Co Wexford rescued three men on Sunday afternoon (16 July) after their RIB encountered engine problems and was drifting out to sea.

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat at 5.32pm by the Irish Coast Guard following a report that the boat with three onboard was in difficulty two miles out from Courtown Pier.

The lifeboat launched shortly after at 5.45pm with helm Rob Ireton and crew members Hazel Woods and Mark Conn onboard. The crew arrived on scene just before 6pm.

Weather conditions were favourable at the time with a slight southeasterly wind and calm seas with a slight chop.

Once the lifeboat was on scene, the crew assessed the situation and found that the men were safe and well. They had only left Courtown harbour following a refreshment break when their engine failed two miles out.

The crew fixed a tow rope to the 5m RIB and the lifeboat proceeded to tow the boat safely into shore.

Speaking following the call-out on Sunday, Jim Murphy, Courtown RNLI deputy launching authority said: “We were delighted to help the three men who got into difficulties this afternoon.

“All three were wearing their lifejackets and had a means of communication to raise the alarm, two things we would always recommend and encourage.

“We would remind all boat owners to maintain their craft and always have a means of calling for help. Should you get into difficulty or see someone in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

Wexford RNLI rescued two people on Saturday night (15 July) after their boat was seen drifting.

The volunteer crew launched their inshore lifeboat at 11.53pm and were quickly on scene to assess the situation.

With a fallen tide and the boat going aground, fast action was taken to tow the vessel with two people onboard to deeper waters.

The people onboard were monitored closely by the crew and brought safety ashore at 12.35am.

Speaking after the incident, Wexford RNLI helm Lorraine Galvin commended the crew who are all newly trained volunteers.

“Night-time call-outs add extra hazards and all three volunteer crew members, Kevin Fitzharris, Dave Murray and Kenneth Fox, worked tirelessly in reassuring the people onboard, establishing the tow and keeping a close watch until the people were safely ashore — well done,” she said.

“If anyone sees anyone in difficulty on or near the water, ring 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

Shore crew for this call-out were Peter Scallan, Damian Lynch and Dave Dempsey while the launching authority was David Sherwood.

Youghal RNLI in East Cork was requested yesterday afternoon (Sunday, 16 July) at 4.18 pm following a report of a sailor in difficulty half a mile from Capel Island after their boat had broken down due to a gearbox malfunction.

The volunteer lifeboat crew received a request from the Irish Coast Guard to launch their inshore lifeboat to reports of the broken down yacht.

The lifeboat, helmed by Liam Keogh and with crew members Jason Ansbro, John McCarthy and Noel Joyce, launched and was quickly on scene.

Weather conditions at the time were described as fair, with a southwesterly wind and a moderate sea state.

Shortly after launching and arriving at the location, the lifeboat crew observed that the man onboard was safe and well and was wearing full personal protective equipment and did not require medical assistance. Upon further assessment of the situation, one crew member boarded the vessel and a decision was made to establish a tow and bring the boat to the safety of Youghal Harbour.

Speaking after the call out, Youghal RNLI Helm Liam Keogh, said: ‘This was a straightforward call with a very good outcome, like always we would like to point out the importance of carrying a means of communication and always wear a lifejacket or suitable floatation device.’

On Wednesday (12 July) Portrush RNLI’s inshore lifeboat crew carried out a joint simulation exercise with RNLI lifeguards on the East Strand in Portrush, on Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast.

The exercise was a simulation of a sea swimmer who had suffered a heart attack while swimming.

The lifeguards performed a rescue to recover unconscious casualty, bringing the person to shore and performing casualty care, while the inshore lifeboat recovered another swimmer who was conscious.

Both teams continued performing rounds of CPR and defibrillation before the exercise came to a close.

Beni McAllister, lifeboat operations manager at Portrush RNLI said: “This simulation demonstrated the good collaboration and great working relationship between the volunteer lifeboat crew and the RNLI lifeguards.

“We hope this will be the first of many similar exercises, as we work closely together during the summer months. Exercises like this can only enhance that vital relationship.”

The volunteer crew of Clifden RNLI were called out on Tuesday (11 July) to assist a vessel with three anglers on board suffering mechanical failure at the mouth of Killary Harbour.

Weather conditions at the time were very poor with heavy rain and limited visibility.

While preparing to launch on a training exercise on their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, the Clifden crew were tasked to assist a small angling vessel with mechanical failure at the mouth of Killary Harbour, 22 nautical miles away.

It was reported that the casualty boat had three people on board and was drifting towards the rocks.

The Atlantic 85 was immediately away under the helm of Alan Pryce, with crew Chris Nee, Shane Conneely and Connor O’Malley.

While en route, the lifeboat crew were informed that the casualty vessel had drifted onto the rocks and immediate assistance was required.

Clifden’s Shannon class all-weather lifeboat was also tasked to provide additional cover with John Mullen as coxswain and crew members Joe Acton, Dan Whelan, James Mullen and Brian Ward. They were assisted by John Heffernan and Neil Gallery on the shore. The Shannon-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 115 also made its way to the scene.

The inshore lifeboat crew arrived at the location to find the fishing boat on the rocks and the three fishermen had climbed onto the rocky shoreline.

The situation was precarious and the weather conditions were poor. However, the volunteer crew managed to extract the three casualties and put the stricken vessel under tow.

The casualties were cold and wet but in otherwise good form, and they were brought, along with their boat, to Rossroe pier to safety.

Speaking about the call-out, Clifden RNLI helm Alan Pryce said: “I’d like to commend the crew on a well-executed rescue in very tricky conditions. The crew and the lifeboat performed incredibly well and the top cover of R115 and Clifden ALB ensured a swift response and successful outcome.

“The volunteer crew at our station are on call 24/7. If you get into difficulty, or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

Both Wicklow RNLI lifeboats were launched at teatime on Friday evening (14 July) following reports of a dog in the water south of Wicklow harbour.

The alarm was raised by gardaí in Wicklow who were concerned that the dog owners would instinctively try to rescue their pet and risk injury.

At 6.32pm the inshore lifeboat launched and was followed a short time later by the all-weather lifeboat. Both proceeded south to the foot of cliffs at Wicklow Golf Course.

The inshore lifeboat was on scene four minutes after launching in a position 200m south of Travelahawk beach.

In challenging sea conditions, helm Alan Goucher was able to get the lifeboat ashore and locate the dog.

The inshore lifeboat volunteers made repeated attempts to retrieve the dog, but it retreated into caves on the shoreline each time.

Eventually the dog made its own way back up the cliff where it was retrieved by its anxious owners. With the dog back in safe hands, the lifeboat crews were stood down by the coastguard and returned to station.

The call-out was a milestone for trainee Liz Thomas as she went to sea on her first ‘shout’ as an all-weather lifeboat volunteer.

Speaking after the call-out, Wicklow RNLI press officer Tommy Dover said: “We were happy to help and would remind dog owners to ensure to look after their own personal safety and do not get into danger trying to attempt a rescue themselves.

“Always keep your dog on a lead when you’re close to cliff edges or fast -lowing rivers. Don’t go after your dog if they go into the water. If you are worried about your dog, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”