#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."

#Coastguard - The Irish Times reports that a nine-year-old boy is in critical condition after falling into the sea near Blackhead lighthouse in Co Clare on Sunday 4 May.

The Irish Coast Guard's Shannon-based rescue helicopter airlifted the unconscious boy - who had been in the water for over an hour before he was found by emergency crews - and taken to Galway University Hospital for treatment.

#Coastguard - As the Facebook post above shows, the Irish Coast Guard has officially named the Shannon-based helicopter with the call sign Rescue 115 as Banríon na Spéire, or Queen of the Sky.

The search and rescue chopper, which was delivered to Shannon in February 2012, was the first of the coastguard's new fleet of Sikorsky S92 aircraft to go into service.

#Rescue - Two tourists have been rescued after falling from cliffs at Howth Head yesterday afternoon (Saturday 5 April).

Howth Coast Guard Cliff Rescue volunteers immediately reported to the scene at Lion's Head after 5pm, where they found a teenage boy calling from help from the cliff face some 20 feet from the top.

Working quickly as the teen was at risk of slipping further down the cliff, rescuers lowered a rope to secure him before a winchman from Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 was able to reach the casualty, who had minor injuries, and lift him aboard.

Meanwhile, the second casualty, an older male, was found to have fallen 150 feet to the beach at the foot of the cliffs.

He was stabilised by paramedics while Rescue 116 prepared to airlift him to Tallaght Hospital for treatment. His condition is not yet known.

#coastguard – Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar has opened the newly-built Coast Guard Station in Killybegs which provides the voluntary crew with top-class accommodation and training facilities.

It's the third new Coast Guard building opened by Minister Varadkar since the election, and a fourth new premises will open at Doolin in the next few months. Minister Varadkar is hoping to open at least one new Coast Guard facility every year for the life-saving Coast Guard volunteers.

Minister Varadkar also confirmed that the Coast Guard has commenced a new round of recruitment for radio officers for its three monitoring stations in Dublin, Valentia and Malin.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Varadkar said: "I'm delighted to open this superb, purpose-built Irish Coast Guard Station and pollution control centre. I want to thank the Coast Guard volunteers for their service and dedication to our coastal communities. This commitment is truly impressive and the Government is acutely aware of its importance. I'm pleased to announce that since my appointment as Minister, this is the third new station that we have opened for the Coast Guard volunteer sector."

The new Coast Guard station is located at the inner mouth of Killybegs Harbour on the new pier. The combined facility consists of a three story Coast Guard Station and an adjoining single storey Pollution Control Store. It provides volunteers with a safe and comfortable working environment, and secure, water-proof storage facilities for their life-saving equipment.

The Pollution Control Store at Killybegs is one of three regional centres used by the Coast Guard. It provides a base for the 25 volunteer members of the Killybegs Coast Guard team who are trained and equipped to operate as a boat team, cliff rescue and coastal search unit.

Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds said: "I am delighted to have this opportunity to welcome our many friends to Killybegs today on what is a proud day for Killybegs and its harbour. I extend a special welcome to representatives of the statutory and voluntary services including the Gardaí, RNLI, HSE, Navy, Fire Service and local authorities. I wish to thank Killybegs Coast Guard Unit for their many years of service to their community."

Killybegs Coast Guard Unit Officer in Charge Arthur Kee said: "This is a special day for the volunteer members of Killybegs Coast Guard Unit, for the town and surrounding community. On behalf of the unit I would like to thank the Minister and all those involved with the project including the OPW, Donegal County Council, the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, whose assistance with site provision is greatly appreciated, and the local Harbour Master Martin Connell."
Since 2011 new Coast Guard buildings have been opened in Goleen in West Cork, and Crosshaven in Co. Cork. The new buildings are a huge leap forward for the volunteers and replace the old garage buildings known as 'rocket houses'.

The new Coast Guard Station at Doolin, the busiest Coast Guard Station in Ireland, is expected to open within the next few months. Meanwhile planning is underway for new Stations at Westport in Co. Mayo and Greystones in Co. Wicklow.

#canoe – An overnight trip to Salt Island ended prematurely when five Canadian canoes were swamped by waves as they crossed Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland.
At just after 12 noon a member of the public called 999 to report that two kayaks were in difficulty north of Green Island and there were people in the water. Belfast Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre sent the Coastguard Rescue Teams based in Portaferry and Bangor to the Lough with the RNLI Lifeboat based in Portaferry. Dive Rhib Nemo also joined the rescue.
Seven canoeists from a party of 14 were pulled from the water. All 4 adults and 10 teenagers were taken to the shore by the two boats where they received medical attention.
Jude McNeice Belfast MRCC Watch Manager said:
"The group were equipped with lifejackets and safety helmets but obviously weren't expecting to spend time in the cold water.
"Although the sun is shining the wind is blowing and so conditions on the Lough are quote rough. I'd just like to take this opportunity to remind anyone planning to enjoy the spring weather to check weather forecasts and tidal conditions before you set out."

RNLI add:

The call for help was made at 12.05pm and the lifeboat was launched four minutes later. Arriving on scene the lifeboat crew immediately went to the aid of the four kayakers in the water. They recovered them onto the lifeboat and also took a further nine onboard from their kayaks. The remaining group had tied their kayaks together to prevent them from drifting further. The group was made up of three adults and eleven teenagers.

One of the adults stayed with the kayaks while the lifeboat crew returned with the rescued group to Killyleagh pier. They were met by a waiting ambulance, which had been requested when it was learned there were casualties in the water.

Commenting on the callout Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Brian Bailie said, "This was a very successful rescue for the lifeboat crew who arrived on scene minutes after the alarm was raised. To take such a large number of casualties to safety is a testament to their training and skill. We are delighted that everyone is safe and well.

'The group were all wearing floatation devices and helmets. The priority of the volunteer lifeboat crew from the outset was to take the four people from the water first and get them warm. Conditions were fresh with a strong wind blowing across the lough and the group could have quickly been blown in different directions."

When the lifeboat crew had safety landed the casualties on the pier, one of the crew stayed with the group while the remaining lifeboat crew went out to recover the kayaks.

#Coastguard - TheJournal.ie reports that the Irish Coast Guard was involved in the rescue of an injured fisherman from a Norwegian trawler hundreds of miles off the west coast in the early hours Monday (24 February).

Coastguard helicopter Rescue 115 from Shannon - the first of the IRCG's new fleet of Sikorsky S92 long-range choppers - was dispatched on Sunday night to the fishing boat's position some 250km off Slea Head.

The helicopter quickly evacuated the fallen crewman to Mid-Western Regional Hospital for treatment for chest injuries.

#storm – Members of the public have been urged to exercise extreme caution on exposed coastal areas this afternoon as Met Éireann issues an red alert.

Met Éireann has a red weather alert in force. Coastal areas will experience winds increasing from storm force 10 to violent storm with some severe gusts this afternoon.

The Coast Guard particularly appeal to people to use common sense and not to place themselves in danger.

The Coast Guard strongly advises the public to stay away from exposed piers, cliff walks, harbour walls, beaches, promenades or any other coastal areas during the stormy weather.

Remember to monitor weather broadcasts when travelling and heed the advice of the RSA on road use during severe weather and high winds.

Specific advice from the Coast Guard is:
• The public is advised to stay away from the shoreline and to avoid engaging in water sports
• Do not venture out unnecessarily when gale force conditions are forecast
• Avoid exposed coasts, cliff paths and coastal areas during inclement weather
• Owners of small vessels and fishing vessels in coastal waters should seek shelter and secure them properly with moorings.

If you do see someone in difficulty in the sea, on the shore, cliffs, lakes or rivers dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

#orangealert – Members of the public have been urged to heed the advice of An Garda Síochána and the Coast Guard as Met Éireann issues an orange alert for Gale warning and a yellow alert for risk of localised flooding.

An Garda Síochána and Coast Guard particularly appeal to parents/guardians with children to use common sense and not to place their loved ones in danger.
Exercise great care on exposed piers, cliff walks and waterways prone to flooding and swift flowing water during the stormy weather over the coming weekend and next week.
Superintendent David Taylor, Garda Press Officer, said: "People need to recognise the destructive and dangerous power of nature and exercise extreme caution when close to areas such as cliff walks, harbours, rivers and lakes."
Coast Guard Chief of Operations Eugene Clonan said: "It is important for parents to be especially vigilant over the next few days and use common sense when taking children out near the coast or inland water ways".

#Coastguard - The Irish Coast Guard enjoyed an eight-fold increase its work with the HSE last year, according to the service's chief.

Chris Reynolds was speaking before a select sub-committee hearing at the Oireachtas last week, at which he explained that the national coastguard has taken on a bigger role in responding to "semi heart-attack" cases.

"They often say the best medicine for this type of heart attack is aviation fuel," said Reynolds. "One has to get to a hospital within a certain short period. Life expectancy and quality of life are better increased, accordingly. We have engaged with the HSE on this particular role."

The medevac role is one much more applicable to the Irish Coast Guard's air units today, especially with the fourth new-generation Sikorsky S92 rescue helicopter brought into service last month signalling the modernisation of the fleet in spite of a 7% reduction in the State's maritime transport and safety programme.

Reynolds added that the Department of Health "is examining the holistic area of air medical services including the Air Corps, air services and the coastguard and will produce a report for the Cabinet sometime this year."

Meanwhile, Reynolds also acknowledged the increase of hoax calls to the Irish Coast Guard in recent years, and gave an interesting reason for the spike in numbers.

"The issue arose in 2010 because a decision was made then that when one called 999, one was offered the coastguard as well," he said, noting that the situation "has been constant ever since".

Yet while hoax calls remain an upward trend, Reynolds emphasised that there is "a difference between a false alert and a hoax. Our operators are smart enough to recognise most hoax calls.

"Occasionally, we get a clever one, forcing us to launch a helicopter or lifeboat needlessly."