Displaying items by tag: Irish whalewatching day trips

16th January 2013

Wexford Whale-Watching Trips As Seen On TV

#WexfordWhales – Further exciting scenes of cetaceans where witnessed by those on board Celtic Mist yesterday, following the first such sightings in 2013 as previously reported on Afloat.ie

Footage of the action was broadcast on this evening's RTE Six One news, from the decks of Ireland's newest marine research vessel, operated by the Irish Whale & Dolphin Group (IWDG).

This month, Celtic Mist will be making day trips in search of whales from Ballyhack on the Wexford side of the Waterford Estuary. In addition the 56ft ketch is to provide daily trips throughout February, when she will be based out of Kilmore Quay to where she heads for the waters off the Saltee Islands, weather permitting.

If you would like to join Celtic Mist for a day out, email: [email protected] or call 086 2358771 to make a booking and for further details visit www.rvcelticmist.ie

Celtic Mist, retains her original name from her days during ownership of the Haughey family, until she was donated to the IWDG back in 2011. She was refitted for her new role and she made her maiden voyage last September.

She was completed in 1974 by Custo in Brittany, France and designed by Dominique Presles. A 350HP diesel Caterpillar engine provides a maximum speed of 8.5 knots and a cruising speed of 6 knots. Facilities include a large galley, chart/navigation area and accommodation for eight berths.

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Which is Ireland's busiest lifeboat station?

While the number of callouts to lifeboat stations varies from year to year, Howth Lifeboat station has aggregated more 'shouts' in recent years than other stations, averaging just over 60 a year.

Do the RNLI get paid?

Stations with an offshore lifeboat have a full-time mechanic, while some have a full-time coxswain. However, most lifeboat crews are volunteers.

How many RNLI Lifeboat stations in Ireland?

There are 46 lifeboat stations on the island of Ireland

How many lifeboat crew have been lost in rescue missions?

How many people are rescued by the RNLI?

In 2019, 8,941 lifeboat launches saved 342 lives across the RNLI fleet.

What type of boats does the RNLI have?

The Irish fleet is a mixture of inshore and all-weather (offshore) craft. The offshore lifeboats, which range from 17m to 12m in length are either moored afloat, launched down a slipway or are towed into the sea on a trailer and launched. The inshore boats are either rigid or non-rigid inflatables.

How are lifeboats called out?

The Irish Coast Guard in the Republic of Ireland or the UK Coastguard in Northern Ireland task lifeboats when an emergency call is received, through any of the recognised systems. These include 999/112 phone calls, Mayday/PanPan calls on VHF, a signal from an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) or distress signals.

What is the relationship between the Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI in Ireland?

The Irish Coast Guard is the government agency responsible for the response to, and co-ordination of, maritime accidents which require search and rescue operations. To carry out their task the Coast Guard calls on their own resources – Coast Guard units manned by volunteers and contracted helicopters, as well as "declared resources" - RNLI lifeboats and crews. While lifeboats conduct the operation, the coordination is provided by the Coast Guard.

What is a coxswain?

A lifeboat coxswain (pronounced cox'n) is the skipper or master of the lifeboat.

What training do RNLI lifeboat crews get?

RNLI Lifeboat crews are required to follow a particular development plan that covers a pre-agreed range of skills necessary to complete particular tasks. These skills and tasks form part of the competence-based training that is delivered both locally and at the RNLI's Lifeboat College in Poole, Dorset