Five Kilrush RNLI volunteers have received meritorious awards from the RNLI for their part in a 2020 rescue that saved the lives of three people in storm-force conditions.
Shannon Foynes Port Company were also recognised by the charity for their support to the station during the call-out.
On Monday (10 July), Anna Classon, RNLI Head of Region presented helm Tom Blunnie with a RNLI Chairman’s Letter of Thanks and volunteer lifeboat crew members Ian Lynch, Charlie Glynn and Ger Keane with a Chief Executive’s Commendation.
Fintan Keating, the Kilrush lifeboat launching authority, received a Lifesaving Operations Director’s Letter of Commendation for his role in the service.
And a Operations Director’s Commendation was awarded to Shannon Foynes Port Company for their collaborative and valued support in the rescue.
On 28 June 2020 at 11.25pm, Kilrush Lifeboat station was notified by Valentia Coast Guard that a 7m vessel with three people onboard was in grave danger, seven nautical miles south-west of Kilrush lifeboat station in Co Clare.
Weather conditions were near storm force from the northwest, with squally rain, poor visibility and heavy swell in the Shannon estuary. High water was due just after midnight and the flood tide would contribute to a worsened sea state.
Fintan Keating, alongside deputy launching authorities Shawna Johnson and Paul Coady, considered and accepted the launch request.
Upon launch, further communications confirmed the casualty crew were attempting to move their vessel to the harbour at Carrigaholt. However, they had suffered engine failure and were taking on water, drifting towards shipping lanes.
Kilrush lifeboat helm Tom Blunnie, supported by crew members Ian Lynch, Charlie Glynn and Ger Keane, commenced a search for the casualty.
In challenging sea conditions, the casualty vessel was located with assistance from Shannon Foynes Port Company’s Pilot Station.
On arrival, it was found that the casualty crew were unsuccessfully attempting to bail out water, and they were quickly transferred from their now submerged boat onto the lifeboat
Working swiftly as one crew, a towline was established and a course set for Carrigaholt pier. The vessel was safely towed to the pier and the casualties handed into the care of family members.
The charity found that the prompt actions ensured three lives were saved.
Shawna Johnson, acknowledged the tremendous efforts of the team at Kilrush Lifeboat station: “I am incredibility proud reading the Letters of Commendation received by the volunteers involved in the rescue. Exceptional leadership, determination and commitment, were used to describe the efforts of our crew.
“It was a challenging service and undoubtedly the actions of Kilrush RNLI saved three lives.”
In presenting the awards, Anna Classon added: “It fills me with pride to come to Kilrush and present these awards. The actions of the crew that night, carried out in weather conditions, that were on the operational limits of the station’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat, were incredibly brave.
“Our volunteers live and work in the communities where these rescues happen, putting aside time with families and in jobs, to go out in all weathers. Every lifeboat launch is about trust; in each other, in the equipment used to save lives, in the training given and in our search and rescue partners.”
