A man overboard exercise with Antrim’s Red Bay all-weather lifeboat and the experience of a dog walker rescued by Cork Harbour’s Crosshaven lifeboat are among topics on tonight’s (Fri, March 22) RTÉ Radio 1 special issue of Seascapes.

The programme, which is the second in a three-part series marking the bicentenary of the RNLI, will also hear how sea shanties have become “cool”, thanks to Tik Tok and Covid-19.

Singer Hugh O’Neill of the Buoys of Ballisodare explains how the annual Wild Atlantic Shanty Festival in Rosses Point came about and how it raises funds for the Sligo lifeboat.

The RNLI’s Red Bay station serves the beautiful but often treacherous north-east coast, extending sometimes to Scotland, and it has both an all-weather and inshore craft.

Crew at the RNLI’s Red Bay station in Cushendall, County Antrim Photo: Niamh Stephenson

Programme presenter Lorna Siggins joined McLaughlin and lifeboat operations manager Kevin Allen, mechanic Liam O’Brien, navigator Sinéad Sharpe and crew Stephen Conway, Paddy O’Hagan, Gareth McAllister and RNLI press officer Niamh Stephenson on a training exercise in Red Bay last Sunday.

The Red Bay RNLI lifeboats at Cushendall Photo: Niamh Stephenson

The station recently lost one of its most experienced members, coxswain Gary Fyfe. His colleague and RNLI trustee, Paddy McLaughlin, talks on tonight’s episode about Fyfe’s enormous contribution to the Cushendall community.

Laura O’Mahony is also interviewed about her experience 14 years ago, when she and her red setter Sam were rescued by the Crosshaven lifeboat.

Seascapes, produced by Brian Lally with sound by John Doyle, is on RTÉ Radio 1 on Friday night at 10.30pm, and on the RTE Radio 1 App and the RTÉ Player.

Portaferry RNLI came to the aid of four people on St Patrick’s Day (Sunday 17 March) after their ocean-going rowing boat sustained a broken rudder and developed steering problems.

Belfast Coastguard requested the launch of Portaferry RNLI’s inshore lifeboat at 6.01pm to assist the crew of a rowing boat who had reported steering problems north of the South Rock Buoy off the Co Down coast in Northern Ireland.

The lifeboat, Blue Peter V, helmed by Chris Adair and with volunteer crew members Paul Mageean, Patrick Lowry and Molly Crowe onboard, launched shortly after and immediately made its way to the scene. Weather conditions at the time were overcast and choppy with a west-south-westerly Force 4 breeze.

Once on scene, the volunteer crew observed that all were safe and well before assessing the situation.

Given the fact that the crew were unable to make safe progress without their rudder, a decision was made to establish a tow.

The rowing boat was towed to the nearest safe port at Portavogie Harbour and the lifeboat departed at 7.30pm, returning to the station by 8.15pm.

Speaking following the call-out, Heather Kennedy, Portaferry RNLI lifeboat operations manager said: “We would like to commend the crew of the rowing boat for raising the alarm when they got into difficulty; that is always the right thing to do. We were glad to be of assistance and wish the crew well.

“We would remind boat owners ahead of the Easter period to check their vessel and engine to ensure they are ready for the season ahead. Always check the weather before venturing out. Always wear a lifejacket or suitable personal flotation device for your activity and always carry a means of calling for help.

“Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

Baltimore RNLI in West Cork successfully rescued Dixie, a terrier mix dog, after she fell from the cliff at the Beacon on Tuesday morning.

The Irish Coast Guard requested the launch of their inshore lifeboat shortly before 10 am, after Dixie's owner raised the alarm. It was the first call out for the new helm, David Ryan, who launched the Atlantic 85 class lifeboat. The crew members Jerry Smith, Kieran Collins, and Eoin O’Driscoll assisted him.

The weather conditions were favorable at the time, with a force 2-3 wind and a calm sea with up to a half-meter swell and good visibility. The crew arrived at the scene to find Dixie sheltering under a rock ledge after swimming ashore. Kieran and Eoin braved the sea and retrieved the dog, safely bringing her back onto the lifeboat and to her owner.

Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer, praised Dixie's owner for raising the alarm and reminded dog owners to be careful when walking their pets near the coast. She advised them not to go into the water or mud after their pets but to move to a safe place and call for help.

New Baltimore helm, David Ryan, who launched the Atlantic 85 class lifeboat with crew members Jerry Smith, Kieran Collins, and Eoin O’Driscoll 

Dixie, though shaken and cold, is safe and sound. The RNLI commended all their crew involved in the rescue and congratulated David on his first call out as helm.

Ahead of the St Patrick’s Day Bank Holiday weekend, the Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are issuing a joint water safety appeal, asking people to stay safe when in, near or on the water.

Water temperatures are still cold, meaning cold-water shock and hypothermia are risks that can affect everyone. The three organisations are advising anyone intending to take part in any water-based activity or coastal walks to carefully plan their activity so as to ensure they stay safe.

Coastal walkers are reminded to be alert to the risk posed on cliff and costal walkways by the exceptional wet weather coupled with any erosion over the winter months.

If heading out on the water or participating in costal activity:

• Never mix alcohol or drugs with water activities.
• Always check the weather and tides before venturing out.
• Carry a reliable means of raising the alarm: VHF radio, personal locator beacon (PLB) or fully charged mobile phone.
• Tell someone where you are going and what time you will be back.
• Wear a suitable personal flotation device when engaged in any water-based activity, including shoreline fishing.
• Always check the weather forecast and time of tides.
• Be alert to the risk of becoming isolated by incoming tides.

Gerard O’Flynn, Irish Coast Guard operations manager said: “Always plan your activity and ensure you have a reliable and suitable means of communication. Regardless of activity ensure that somebody knows your plans and expected return time.”

Roger Sweeney, Water Safety Ireland’s deputy chief executive added: “Throughout the festivities, please ensure that you provide your children with constant, uninterrupted supervision when playing near water. Supervise them closely and teach them about water safety at www.teachpaws.ie.

“If you see somebody in trouble in the water: SHOUT – REACH – THROW. SHOUT to calm, encourage and orientate them; REACH with anything that prevents you from entering the water (clothing/stick); and THROW a ring buoy or any floating object to them.”

Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI water safety lead said: “We are all looking forward to enjoying the longer evenings but it is important to remember when walking to keep well away from the water’s edge. You can reduce the risks by avoiding walking alone or at night and by always making sure you have a means of calling for help.

“If over the upcoming festivities, you or someone you are with has a drink, stay away from the water. Alcohol can lower inhibitions, leading to impaired judgement which means you are more likely to take risks and get into trouble. It also limits muscle ability, making simple movements much harder, slows down reactions making it more difficult to get yourself out of trouble, and if swimming, it numbs the senses making swimming difficult.

“If you do find yourself struggling in the water unexpectedly, Float to Live. To do this, tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Try to relax and breathe normally. You can gently move your hands to help you stay afloat if you need to. Spread your arms and legs out to improve stability – and it's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.”

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are in trouble, dial 112 or use VHF Channel 16 and ask for the coastguard.

An Aran island family with several generations of volunteering with the RNLI lifeboat are featured in the first episode of a special series of RTÉ Radio 1’s Seascapes to mark the RNLI’s bicentenary.

The three-part series also carries an interview tonight with maritime historian Cormac Lowth, and with artist David Rooney who designed two new stamps to celebrate the RNLI.

Daniel O’Connell, who first signed up as a volunteer with the Aran offshore station ten years ago, explains that he took the decision after his eldest son, Jack, was rushed to hospital with several tonsillitis.

Jack and his siblings Olive and Eoghan are also interviewed about their experience, along with their mother Lena, who is press officer, their grandmother Margaret, who has been station treasurer, and newly appointed Aran coxswain Aonghus Ó hÍarnáin.

Cormac Lowth, dubbed a “one man maritime museum” by Afloat.ie’s WM Nixon, summarises the history of the lifeboat service in Ireland, while artist and musician David Rooney talks about what inspired him to design the new stamps for the RNLI which were issued earlier this month by An Post.

Seascapes, to mark the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, is presented by Lorna Siggins and produced by Brian Lally. Part one of the three-part special series will be broadcast on Friday night, March 15th, at 10.30 pm on RTÉ Radio 1 and the RTE Radio App, and will be available on the RTÉ Player.

RNLI lifeboats from Ireland and the UK launched to a Mayday distress call from a fishing vessel taking on water on Friday (8 March).

The 24-metre Irish trawler had five crew onboard and was some 21 nautical miles northwest of Strumble Head near Fishguard in south Wales when HM Coastguard tasked the charity's Welsh lifeboats just before midday.

The all-weather lifeboats and volunteer crew from St Davids, Fishguard, Newquay made best speed to the scene.

HM Coastguard’s search and rescue helicopter R936 from Caernarfon also tasked to assist and was first to arrive on scene, lowering a water pump to the vessel.

With no casualties reported, Newquay lifeboat was stood down en route. St Davids’ Tamar class lifeboat Norah Wortley arrived at 1.10pm with sea conditions rough in a Force 5-7 easterly wind. Fishguard RNLI’s Trent class lifeboat Blue Peter VII arrived at 1.35pm.

With no engine damage and the coastguard pump sufficiently reducing the water level, it was decided the fishing vessel would be escorted the 35 nautical miles west to Ireland.

St Davids RNLI escorting the trawler as Kilmore Quay lifeboat arrives | Credit: RNLI/St Davids

Kilmore Quay RNLI’s Tamar class lifeboat Victor Freeman was tasked by the Irish Coast Guard to complete the escort and launched at 2.10pm. At this point, the Fishguard lifeboat was stood down and returned to Wales.

St Davids RNLI escorted the trawler a further 20 nautical miles west-southwest towards Tuskar Rock until the Kilmore Quay lifeboat arrived at 3.20pm and took over the escort, getting the vessel safely into port around 6pm.

Will Chant, RNLI coxswain for St Davids RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat said: “This rescue was a good, fast response from all crews, which with an incident of this nature was exactly what was required.

“Fortunately the salvage pump from the helicopter was all that was required in order to quell the problems on board the trawler, and after that it was a straightforward but long job of escorting the vessel to safety.

“Our crew even received ‘welcome to Ireland’ messages on their mobile phones, such was the distance from home.”

Late on Wednesday night, Baltimore RNLI received a request from the Irish Coast Guard to provide a medical evacuation for a man living on Cape Clear Island, located off the coast of West Cork. The Baltimore all-weather lifeboat crew, consisting of seven volunteer members, launched their lifeboat at 10:50 pm and arrived at North Harbour on Cape Clear Island in just 35 minutes.

After assessing the medical condition of the patient, a casualty care lifeboat crew member brought the patient onboard the lifeboat, and the team departed the island at 11:28 pm. Battling poor visibility and a fresh south-easterly force 5 wind, the team arrived back at the Baltimore station at 11:55 pm, where the casualty was handed over to the care of HSE Ambulance crew.

Maria Coleman Joins RNLI Crew

The Baltimore RNLI team consisted of Coxswain Aidan Bushe, Mechanic Brian McSweeney and crew members Kieran Collins, Don O’Donovan, Jerry Smith, Stuart Musgrave, and 2000 Olympic sailor and Baltimore local Maria Coleman. Interestingly, the same medical evacuation was carried out from Cape Clear Island exactly two weeks prior to this evacuation. But, it was different for Maria Coleman as this was her first shout as a fully qualified member of the Baltimore Lifeboat crew.

Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, said: “Congratulations to Maria from all at Baltimore RNLI. Please remember if you find yourself in a medical emergency while on an island, call 999 or 112.”

The Baltimore RNLI team is known for its incredible rescue operations and its dedication to saving lives. The team has once again shown its unwavering commitment to serving their community.Baltimore RNLI requested to provide a medical evacuation from Cape Clear Island

Baltimore RNLI was requested to provide a medical evacuation last night (Wednesday, 6 March) from Cape Clear Island off the coast of West Cork.

The volunteer lifeboat crew launched their all-weather lifeboat at 10.50 pm, following a request from the Irish Coast Guard to provide a medical evacuation for a man living on the island.

The Baltimore all-weather lifeboat crew arrived at North Harbour on Cape Clear Island at 11.25 pm and after a quick assessment by a Casualty Care lifeboat crew member, the casualty was brought onboard the lifeboat. The lifeboat departed Cape Clear Island at 11.28 pm and returned to the station in Baltimore arriving at 11.55pm. The casualty was then handed over to the care of HSE Ambulance crew.

There were seven volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat, Coxswain Aidan Bushe, Mechanic Brian McSweeney and crew members Kieran Collins, Don O’Donovan, Jerry Smith, Stuart Musgrave and Maria Coleman. Conditions during the call out were fresh with a south easterly force 5 wind and poor visibility.

Speaking following the call out, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘Whilst this callout was very similar to a medevac carried out from Cape Clear Island exactly two weeks prior, it was very different for Maria Coleman as this was her first shout as a fully qualified member of the Baltimore Lifeboat crew. Congratulations to Maria from all at Baltimore RNLI. Please remember if you find yourself in a medical emergency whilst on an island call 999 or 112.’

Dublin’s Tom Clarke bridge was lifted for an RNLI lifeboat on Monday morning – but it wasn’t in response to a tasking.

The Dun Laoghaire Harbour lifeboat steamed up the Liffey and berthed on North Wall Quay to mark the publication of two special edition stamps issued by An Post.

The stamps designed by Dave Mooney were “launched” at An Post’s new headquarters, the Exo building on the Docklands as part of a number of events held in Dublin and London to mark two centuries of the RNLI.

Attending the Dublin event was RNLI Head of Region, Ireland, Anna Classon, and An Post chief executive officer David McRedmond, while a number of Irish representatives travelled to a special service of thanksgiving in Westminster Abbey.

Lough Derg helm and writer Eleanor Hooker was invited to read her poem “Float to Live” at the Westminster Abbey service. Also present were colleagues from the Lough Ree station, including lifeboat operations manager Kevin Ganly, treasurer Vincent Rafter and station visits officer Paul Kelly.

RNLI Lough Derg helm Eleanor Hooker reading her poem, “Float to Live” at Westminster Abbey during a special service of thanksgiving to mark the RNLI bicentenary

Meanwhile, Lough Ree’s volunteer helm Liam Sheringham was in Dublin. The stamps issued by An Post depict an Atlantic 85 lifeboat, similar to the “Tara Scougall” based at his station.

At Westminster (L-R) Vincent Rafter, Mark Dowie, CEO RNLI, Kevin Ganly, Paul Kelly

The first RNLI lifeboat station was established in Arklow, Co. Wicklow in 1826, and there are 46 stations on the island of Ireland. Lough Ree RNLI is one of four which are on inland waters.

To mark the bicentenary Irish Rail facilitated the lighting up of the White Bridge in Athlone in yellow over the weekend.

Further events are planned in the course of the year, according to the RNLI, including a special “One Moment, One Crew’” occasion on August 1st and the arrival of a commemorative scroll which will visit selected lifeboat stations.

Athlone Town Bridge lit up to commemorate the bicentenary of the RNLI. The first RNLI lifeboat station was established in Arklow, Co. Wicklow in 1826

An Post’s new stamps are the latest in a series on maritime themes. In April 2021, it issued a set of four stamps celebrating eight Irish participants in Antarctic expeditions of the 1800s and early 1900s, including Kerryman Tom Crean.

A set of stamps to commemorate the Commissioners of Irish Lights was issued by An Post in October 2016.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) will mark its 200th anniversary of saving lives at sea by launching two commemorative stamps in collaboration with An Post today.

To celebrate the launch of these stamps, some of the charity's volunteer lifeboat crew, along with two individuals who were rescued by the RNLI, will gather outside An Post's offices at the EXO building on the North Wall Quay, beside the Liffey. Representatives from An Post will also be present at the event.

The RNLI operates 46 lifeboat stations throughout the island of Ireland, including four on inland waters. The charity designs and constructs its own lifeboats and runs both domestic and international water safety programmes. The most recent all-weather lifeboat, the Shannon, was named after the Irish river, recognising the dedication of Irish lifeboat crews for generations.

The first RNLI lifeboat station in Ireland was established in Arklow in 1826.

Dunmore East RNLI in County Waterford has announced the appointment of David Murray as its new full-time Station Mechanic. David, who has been a volunteer with the lifeboat station since 2013, has made significant contributions to the team and the maritime community of Dunmore East. His impressive career progression from Volunteer Crew Member to Trainee Coxswain is a testament to his development of skills in technical maintenance, operational readiness, and team leadership. 

Apart from his volunteer work, David has also been working as a General Operative at Dunmore East Harbour since 2017, which further honed his skills in maintenance and safety management within the harbour, making him an invaluable member of the RNLI team. 

David's involvement in the Lily B rescue in 2020, where he played a key role in saving nine lives and preventing a 100-metre coal ship from going aground at Hook Head, earned him a Medal Service Certificate for Gallantry. His spirit, dedication, and experience make him an ideal fit for his new role as Station Mechanic.

On his appointment, David said, "It's an honour to take on the role of Station Mechanic, even more so in the year when the RNLI marks such an important event. My life has always been linked to the sea, and I'm proud to apply the skills I've developed as an RNLI volunteer to my new full-time role. I am committed to providing complete support to our crew, ensuring they have the resources and training necessary to carry out their duties safely and effectively."

The Dunmore East RNLI crew say it is thrilled to have their colleague and friend promoted to such an important position and wishes David Murray the very best in his new role. As the charity marks its bicentennial year, David's journey from a committed volunteer to a full-time professional role within the RNLI is truly inspiring and demonstrates the institution's commitment to individual growth and development.