Ireland's RNLI volunteers have responded to a string of rescue call-outs as warm weather and increased recreational boating activity kept lifeboat crews busy across the country.
Stations at Kilkeel, Carrybridge and the Aran Islands all launched over recent days to assist boat users in difficulty, recovering casualties safely and reminding the public to prepare properly before heading afloat.
Kilkeel RNLI Rescues Stranded Jet-Skier
Kilkeel RNLI was launched on Thursday (16 July) after a jet-skier suffered a mechanical breakdown in Carlingford Lough.
The Shannon class lifeboat reached the casualty within 13 minutes after being tasked by Belfast Coastguard. The jet-skier had taken temporary refuge aboard a nearby small boat before being transferred safely onto the lifeboat and brought ashore at Greencastle Pier. The disabled jet-ski was later recovered by a local fishing vessel.
Kilkeel RNLI Coxswain Alexander McCauley praised the volunteer crew's response.
"Thanks to the training and skills of the volunteer crew, the rescue was carried out quickly and efficiently and we wish the jet-skier well," he said.
He also thanked Coastguard and RNLI colleagues and urged anyone who sees someone in difficulty at sea to dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
Carrybridge RNLI Answers Three Lough Erne Emergencies
Carrybridge RNLI answered three separate emergencies over the weekend on Lough Erne.
On Saturday, the inshore lifeboat attended a 14-metre narrowboat with two people aboard after it ran aground west of Kilmore Quay. With no immediate danger to those onboard, the crew remained alongside until a commercial recovery company successfully refloated the vessel.
The following afternoon, the crew rescued three people and a dog after their five-metre motorboat struck a submerged object and lost power while drifting towards the main navigation channel. The vessel was taken under tow back to Carrybridge.
In the early hours of Monday morning, the same crew joined PSNI and Coastguard teams searching for an overdue boater travelling between Belturbet and Derryadd Public Jetty. The casualty vessel was located near the shoreline before the owner was found ashore nearby suffering from the effects of the cold. After treatment onboard, the casualty was landed safely and handed over to emergency services.
Carrybridge RNLI Press Officer Chris Cathcart said the recent spell of fine weather had brought significantly more activity onto the water.
He urged boat owners to check their vessels before departure, carry suitable charts, ensure everyone wears a lifejacket and always have a reliable means of calling for help.
Aran Islands RNLI Completes Ten Call-Outs in Seven Days
As Afloat reported earlier, the Aran Islands RNLI also reported an exceptionally busy week, responding to ten call-outs in seven days.
Over the weekend alone, volunteers completed a medical evacuation from Inis Mór, towed a disabled yacht to safety after engine failure in deteriorating weather west of the islands and recovered another broken-down vessel that had become stranded in the Ros a Mhíl shipping channel.
Aran Islands RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Avril Ní Shearcaigh said the station's volunteers had answered every pager despite the unusually high workload.
"It's been a busy week at the station with 10 call outs in just one week. We're very grateful to our volunteers who never hesitate to answer the pager and take time from their busy lives to help save lives at sea."
She also reminded the public that anyone witnessing an emergency on the water should use Marine VHF Channel 16 or call 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
The three stations said the incidents underline the importance of careful passage planning, regular vessel maintenance and carrying appropriate safety equipment before heading afloat.
