Crews from the Aran Islands and Galway RNLI stations took part in a joint training exercise on inner Galway Bay this past Saturday (27 January).

The training was an opportunity for the crews from the two flanking stations to work together on a number of boat-handling and seamanship exercises to prepare for future joint search and rescue missions.

Brian Niland, helm with Galway RNLI who led the exercise for the Galway crew said: “We were delighted to welcome the Aran Islands RNLI crewm onboard the all-weather Severn class lifeboat David Kirkaldy, to Galway for a training exercise off Salthill.

“It was impressive to see the larger Aran Islands lifeboat and see how the two lifeboats can work side by side.

“The training was a great learning experience for both crews and will help us when we are requested to launch together, to help those in danger in the water. Our volunteer lifeboat crews spend many hours training so we can meet the dangers and challenges we face at sea.”

Galway RNLI crew on board the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Binny leaving Galway Port with the Aran Islands RNLI crew on board the all-weather Severn lifeboat David Kirkaldy | Credit: RNLI/Aoife Morrissy

Aran Islands RNLI coxswain Aonghus Ó hIarnáin said: “Saturday’s training exercise was a good chance to meet the Galway crew and show what the lifeboat from each station is capable of.

“The type of lifeboat a station has depends on geographical features, the kind of rescues the station is involved in and the cover provided by neighbouring lifeboat stations.

“Our Severn class lifeboat is designed for the offshore long jobs we face in the toughest weather, while the Galway Atlantic class lifeboat is one of the fastest in the fleet and is ideal for rescues close to shore, near cliffs and rocks which may be inaccessible to our all-weather lifeboat. Working together we are able to carry out search and rescue throughout Galway Bay.

“Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, RNLI lifeboat crews are ready to answer the call to rescue. If you see someone in trouble at the coast call 112 or 999 and ask for the coastguard.”

Cyclists will ‘Lap the Lake’ for the third year running to raise funds for Lough Derg RNLI on Saturday 11 May.

With Lough Derg RNLI marking 20 years of lifeboat service on the lake in the same year that the charity that saves lives at sea celebrates its bicentenary, the 2024 fundraiser will be a doubly special occasion.

As with the 2023 event, cyclists may again choose between a 120km route or a shorter 65km one.

The longer route will take participants on a full circuit of Lough Derg, giving entrants the chance to cycle through three counties: Tipperary, Clare and Galway. The shorter route will take cyclists to just beyond Killaloe, to a turnaround point at the Twomilegate lakeside amenity park.

Whichever route riders chose, they will have the opportunity to delight in the outstanding beauty of the lake and the River Shannon.

Riders’ safety and well-being is also a priority, with first-aid providers, out-riders, marshals and bike maintenance stops along the routes, as well as comfort and refreshment stations.

“We were thrilled with the success of the previous two years’ Lap the Lake cycle,” said Laura Clarke, chair of the event committee. “We were blessed with fine weather so that cyclists were able to enjoy the most breathtaking scenery around the lake.

“2024 is a particularly special year for the RNLI as the charity marks 200 years of lifesaving work. This event, now open for registration, is about raising funds for our local lifeboat on Lough Derg, which celebrates 20 years of service.”

Event tickets are €65 per person for the full route and €50 for the shorter route. All funds raised will go to Lough Derg RNLI. To find out more and to book your place among the riders this year, visit the Eventbrite page HERE.

In the latest edition of 200 Voices, the RNLI podcast, Pamela Deasy has vivid memories of January 2012 the loss of five crew on a fishing trawler in Glandore Harbour and the subsequent establishment of a lifeboat station at Union Hall, West Cork.

In My Lifeline, which became available on Thursday, 25 January, Pamela, who is a volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Union Hall RNLI, remembers the morning the ‘Tit Bonhomme’ foundered on Adam Island at the entrance to Glandore Harbour with the loss of five crew. She recalls the month-long search to recover the bodies of the lost fishermen and a letter she wrote to the RNLI appealing for a lifeboat station at Union Hall.

This year, in September 2024, Union Hall RNLI will celebrate its 10th birthday, supported by a team of volunteers and fantastic community support and fundraising.

In 2019, Pamela was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and in the podcast, which marks 200 years of the RNLI, she tells the story of her personal battle and recovery supported by the ‘RNLI family’ and eased by the comforting presence of the sea.

The unique podcast series hears from people connected to the RNLI in Ireland and those whose lives have been touched by the lifesaving charity. Hear from locals with a special kinship to their lifeboat station, a crew member who’s been on service for a generation, or the family of someone rescued by an RNLI frontline lifesaver – each episode is sure to take the listener on a journey through a touching story.

Available across all podcast platforms and the RNLI’s website, listeners can hear from survivors, supporters, volunteers, lifeguards, celebrity ambassadors, historians and many more from across Wales, England, Scotland, Ireland and beyond.

Listen to the RNLI’s 200 Voices, wherever you get your podcasts or at RNLI.org/200Voices.

Tramore RNLI went to the aid of one person on a pleasure boat with engine failure last Thursday evening (18 January) in the Co Waterford crew’s first call-out of 2024.

An emergency call received by the Marine Rescue Co-ordinating Centre (MRCC) from a stranded half-decker pleasure boat in Tramore Bay saw the volunteer lifeboat crew called into action.

The single occupant of the pleasure boat had raised the alarm on their mobile phone to say they had engine failure about a kilometre from Tramore Beach.

Helmed by Fergal McGrath and crewed by Peter Kelly and Kevin Lehane, the inshore lifeboat was launched shortly after they were paged at 4.45pm, and they were on scene within two minutes.

It emerged that the casualty vessel had lost engine power and was drifting towards the beach. The crew assessed the situation and decided to tow the broken-down boat to Tramore Pier, where it was tied alongside at 5.15pm.

Speaking following the call-out, Tramore RNLI helm Fergal McGrath said: “Well done to the casualty, they did the right thing in calling for help as soon as they felt they were in trouble and we were delighted to help.

“We would encourage anyone planning a trip to sea to always go prepared, always wear a lifejacket and always carry a means of communication. Should you get into difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

Last Saturday, the Dun Laoghaire RNLI rescued a Cocker Spaniel named Charlie from a rocky ledge inside the west wall at Dun Laoghaire harbour. Charlie, a three-year-old chocolate brown Cocker Spaniel, had wandered down the dangerously slippy harbour wall steps and tumbled into the sea while out for a walk with his owner. The Harbour Police saw the event unfold and called the Irish Coast Guard for assistance.

The Coast Guard requested the volunteer lifeboat crew of the Dun Laoghaire RNLI to assist in the rescue operation. The crew, aboard Lifeboat ‘Joval’, helmed by Andrew Sykes with volunteer crew members Laura Jackson and James Traynor onboard, arrived on scene within six minutes of the call.

Although the weather was calm with excellent visibility, the low sea temperature presented difficulties for Charlie in the water. However, the team quickly rescued the dog from the water and brought him ashore. Charlie was shaken and distressed by his ordeal but was quickly comforted by Laura and didn’t require medical treatment when reunited with his owner.

Volunteer Helm Andrew Sykes said, "We were delighted to see the dog safe and well and reunite Charlie with his walker. We would remind anyone walking their dog near the water’s edge to keep them on a lead to ensure not only the safety of the animal but the owner as well."

Volunteer lifeboat crew at Fethard RNLI in County Wexford were requested to launch their lifeboat yesterday morning (Friday 19 January) at 11.11 am to assist a broken down 24-foot fishing vessel.

Fethard RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was launched, made their way to Baginbun Head in force 3/4 winds and choppy sea conditions. After assessing the situation and learning that the boat had suffered a gearbox problem, the Helm of the lifeboat, Thomas Stafford, decided that the safest course of action was to tow the boat, with the crew on board, to the safety of Fethard Harbour.

Speaking after the call out, Volunteer Deputy Launch Authority Pete Barry said, ‘The crew went to sea, well prepared, with a means to call for assistance. It shows the importance of having the right equipment to call for help when you see someone in trouble on the water or are in difficulties yourself. The number to dial is 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’

As Ireland and the UK prepare for Storm Isha this weekend, the RNLI is asking those visiting the coast to be cautious of the dangers.

Met Éireann and the Met Office have issued weather warnings ahead of Storm Isha’s arrival this Sunday (21 January), bringing winds of up to 130kmh in some coastal areas, particularly along the west and north east coasts of England and Wales and in Northern Ireland.

A number of Irish sailing fixtures have already been cancelled, as previously reported on Afloat.ie.

The strong winds are expected to gradually ease throughout the day on Monday.

For those who plan to visit the coast this weekend, the strong gusts pose a significant risk to safety and the lifesaving charity is urging the public to exercise extreme caution, particularly along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers.

RNLI national water safety education partner Sam Johnson said: “The predicted weekend weather could lead to dangerous and uncertain conditions as strong winds hit the coasts across the UK and Ireland.

“If you plan on visiting the coast, the RNLI advise the public to stay a safe distance from the water as conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea. It is not worth risking your life.

“Cold water shock is a very real danger for anyone entering water that is 15C or below and at this time of year, we can expect temperatures of 6 to 10C. If you find yourself in trouble unexpectedly in the water, remember to Float to Live: lie back in the water, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best as you can until you get control of your breathing.

“Remember, if you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard if by the coast, or just 999 if inland. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself — you may end up in difficulty too.”

At 5.32 pm on Sunday, 14 January, Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat on Upper Lough Erne was launched at the request of Belfast Coastguard to assess a vessel with four people on board, which had broken down 2 miles North of Carrybridge.

Winds were North Westerly, Force 1. Visibility was good.

The volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat located the casualty vessel, which had drifted into the reeds on the shoreline. They then assessed the well-being of casualties and found them to be well.

The crew then assessed the casualty vessel and found that the boat had suffered from a loss of drive. Due to the darkness and the vessel's location, it was deemed that the safest option was to tow the vessel back to its nearby mooring at Bellanaleck. A lifeboat crew member stayed onboard the casualty’s boat during the towing process.

Speaking following the callouts, Stephen Scott, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Carrybridge RNLI advised all boat users: ‘‘At this time of year when there isn’t much boat movement on the water it is especially important before setting out to plan your journey, have the relevant charts required, lifejackets for all on board and a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble.

Ballyglass RNLI came to the aid of a lone sailor last night (Wednesday, 17 January) after their yacht got into difficulty in the North Atlantic Sea.

The all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch by Malin Head Coast Guard to assist a sailor on a 9m yacht which had sustained rigging damage five miles off the north Mayo coast.

The volunteer crew received the alert at 5.25 pm and the lifeboat was underway shortly after making its way to the sailor and their vessel some 17 nautical miles north-east of Ballyglass and five miles north of the Céide fields in Mayo.

When the Ballyglass lifeboat with five crew onboard arrived on scene, a 60m fish carrier was standing off providing shelter for the casualty vessel. Their crew along with the Sligo based Irish Coast Guard helicopter crew from Rescue 118, provided illumination of the scene. Having assessed the situation, and observing that the sailor was safe and well, a decision was made to establish a tow line with the illumination assisting the lifeboat crew in setting up the tow with the vessel.

The lifeboat proceeded to tow the yacht to the nearest safe port at Ballyglass pier. Approximately three miles from Ballyglass pier the tow parted from the yacht’s end but was soon safely re-established and the lifeboat and yacht continued to their destination. There, the lifeboat crew were met by Ballyglass Coast Guard Unit who assisted in securing the casualty alongside.

Speaking following the call out, Ballyglass RNLI Coxswain James Mangan said: ‘We were pleased with the safe return of all and we would like to wish the sailor well and commend and thank our colleagues from Rescue 118 and Ballyglass Coast Guard Unit and the crew of the fish carrier for their assistance.’

Crew on this call out included Coxswain James Mangan, mechanic Allen Murray, navigator Matthew Togher and crew members Paudge Kelleher and Stephen Togher.

The Fethard RNLI fundraising committee members in County Wexford, along with some volunteers, gathered last week to receive a significant amount of funds raised by the Hooked On Swimming Group and two businesses with local links. In total, the group donated €12,985 to the RNLI.

The Hooked On Swimming Group, a dedicated group of local swimmers, took part in their annual 12 Swims of Christmas for the third year in a row, braving the chilly December waters surrounding the Hook Peninsula. The group also organised a coffee morning with delicious home-baked treats and a monster raffle, creating a fantastic community atmosphere and a social outlet during the winter months. All the while, they raised vital funds for their local lifeboat.

Scurri present a €2,500 cheque to the RNLI

This year’s total included a generous donation of €3,500 from the Greenlink project and a separate donation of €2,500 from Scurri, a locally owned delivery management software company.

Sarah Bates, a volunteer fundraising committee representative, accepted the cheques on behalf of the RNLI and expressed her gratitude, saying, “The RNLI is independent of the Coast Guard and the government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. As we enter into our 200th year of lifesaving, donations like we received today are just as important as ever for us to continue saving lives at sea.”

The generosity of the Hooked On Swimming Group and the local businesses is commendable, and their efforts will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the RNLI's operations.