#RNLI - Two volunteer lifeboat crew with Wexford RNLI have received the charity’s Excellence in Volunteering Award in recognition for their hard work and dedication to lifesaving.

Lorraine Galvin and David Maguire were presented with their framed certificates during the Wexford Maritime Festival, the hugely popular event the pair helped set up, over the weekend of 1-2 July.

In a citation from the RNLI’s chief executive Paul Boissier, he explained the award was in recognition for David and Lorraine’s “vision in founding the Wexford Maritime Festival back in 2012” and their “drive and energy in continuing to manage and run the festival”. 

Boissier went on to praise them for the building of links with other rescue and blue light organisations and for raising awareness of the work of the RNLI.

Welcoming the award, Wexford RNLI lifeboat operations manager Nick Bowie said: “We are very proud of Lorraine and David at the lifeboat station. They take their lifesaving role in the community very seriously and their enthusiasm is infectious. 

“Volunteering to be on the lifeboat crew is a huge commitment but to then go on and set up the festival to promote water safety and bring visitors to our town is incredible.”
The Wexford Maritime Event promotes having fun on the water safely and raises funds for the work of the RNLI. It has become one of the largest annual events held in the South East.

RNLI area lifesaving manager Owen Medland commented: “David and Lorraine have demonstrated the very highest level of volunteering both operationally and with their involvement with the Wexford Maritime Festival since its inception. Their energy, enthusiasm and professionalism is contagious.

“Both volunteers are fully deserving of this recognition and we are truly grateful for all they contribute to the saving of lives.”

Declan Geoghegan, SAR operations manager with the Irish Coast Guard, added: “In the many SAR incidents Lorraine and David have been involved in, they have been known for their dedication and dependability in all aspects. They are professional in all aspects of their work.

"The coastguard would like to congratulate Lorraine and David on this well deserved reward.”

The Courtmacsherry RNLI All Weather Lifeboat was called out at 12.16pm this afternoon to go to the aid of a 17–foot pleasure boat that got into difficulties off Coolmain, east of the Old Head of Kinsale in West Cork.

The Courtmacsherry Lifeboat under Coxswain Sean O'Farrell and a crew of six launched immediately and reached the stricken causality within 15 minutes. The pleasure boat, with six persons on board had encountered engine difficulties and was blown onshore at the coastline called Nuns Cove.

On scene, the Lifeboat assessed the difficulties with the casualty and two lifeboat crew members Ciaran Hurley and Dean Hennessey used the Trent Lifeboat's X Boat to access the shoreline and secure a tow line to the stricken vessel.

The Lifeboat then proceeded to tow the boat away from the shoreline and subsequently brought them back to the safe haven of Courtmacsherry Harbour.

Conditions at sea today were blustery with Winds in the area blowing force 4/5 but rising from early afternoon.

The Crew on board today's callout were Coxswain Sean O'Farrell and crew members Stuart Russell, Denis Murphy, Mark John Gannon, Dean Hennessy and the father and son combination of Micheal and Ciaran Hurley.

Courtmacsherry RNLI Lifeboat Station LPO Brian O Dwyer commented, " We are pleased that our Lifeboat was again fast away today with our ever ready volunteers always available and that the rescue was carried out with great skill and precision on a dangerous coastline in today's winds".

#RNLI - Portaferry RNLI was called out yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 28 June) to rescue a group of four people who had become stranded on an island at the north end of Strangford Lough.

The two women and two children had become stranded on Rough Island, a small island which lies just off Island Hill in Strangford Lough between Newtownards and Comber in Co Down.

The island is accessible on foot at low tide via a concrete causeway connecting the mainland to the small island. However, the group had been cut off when the causeway submerged with the incoming tide.

The coastguard request to launch was received by Portaferry RNLI at 4.34pm and the volunteer lifeboat crew were on the water six minutes later, arriving on scene at 5.06pm.

Weather conditions at the time were partly cloudy with good visibility and calm seas.

The women and children were taken on board the lifeboat and transported the short distance to safety on shore. Once satisfied they were out of danger, the lifeboat crew returned to station ready for service.

Hello and you’re very welcome to my weekly Podcast…. where this week I have been talking to a sailor with great courage….So listen to the Podcast below which takes you onto the deck of a 39-foot yacht at Crosshaven in Cork Harbour, where I talked to a postman from Limerick who has been sailing around Ireland to raise support for Guide Dogs, because he is losing his sight and there is no way to prevent him going blind. Chris Egan described his voyage to me and what he personally faces. 

Also on the Podcast you can hear the first interview with the new Chief Executive of Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Jim O’Toole, who discusses the issues facing coastal communities and the fishing industry and outlines what he sees as the priorities for the State fisheries board.

In these Summer months we must always be concerned about the level of drownings, of which there are more males who die this way than females. Some of the male drownings are suicides, as John Leech, Chief Executive of Irish Water Safety, the State board whose headquarters are on the banks of the Corrib in Galway City, told me when he assessed the latest statistics of drownings.

The most recent launch took place on Friday last, 23 June at 11pm. Larne's all-weather lifeboat Dr John McSparron and inshore lifeboat Terry launched on request of Belfast Coastguard to reports of two overdue kayakers. Both boats completed a search north from Larne with the kayakers located safe and well at Drumnagreagh.

Larne RNLI launched both lifeboats on Sunday 11 June to a 36ft yacht experiencing engine difficulties near the entrance to Larne Lough. On arrival, a volunteer lifeboat crew member was transferred onto the yacht to check the three on board were safe and well. A towline was then established before the lifeboat brought the yacht into the safety of Larne harbour.

Only 2 days later (Tuesday 13 June) Larne inshore lifeboat was launched following reports of an over-turned kayak at Carnfunnock. A multi-agency search took place but nothing was found indicating a false alarm with good intent.

The volunteer crew pagers sounded again on Sunday 18 June. Both Larne lifeboats launched to assist a vessel with two adults and two children on board that was taking on water in Drains Bay. The all-weather lifeboat was stood down by Belfast Coastguard after it was confirmed that the vessel had made it ashore. The inshore lifeboat continued to Carnfunnock to ensure no assistance was required and all onboard the vessel were safely ashore.

On Monday 19 June the lifeboat crew were requested to launch by Belfast coastguard at 8.40pm after reports that five teenagers were stranded on rocks at Blackarch. Larne RNLI immediately launched both lifeboats and was on scene within minutes. After putting the group into lifejackets, the lifeboat crew carefully transferred them onboard the inshore lifeboat. They then made the short trip out to the all-weather lifeboat where they were then transferred onboard and their condition assessed. Members of the Larne Coastguard were also on scene and provided valuable ground support during the operation.

Larne RNLI Coxswain Frank Healy said: 'This has been a busy few weeks for our volunteer crew who drop everything to answer the call when their pagers sound. Our crews are highly trained and skilled, and excellent team work ensured that all five launches were completed safely and successfully.'

Coming into the summer season the RNLI is promoting its national drowning prevention campaign, Respect the Water. It is aimed at promoting safety advice to all who visit the coast. The RNLI want everyone to enjoy the water, but also want people to recognise its dangers and never underestimate its power. This year, Respect the Water will focus on simple floating skills that could save a life. If you find yourself unexpectedly in the water, he advice is to float to increase your chances of survival. If you see someone else in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

Allan Dorman, Larne RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager advises: ‘For those who are planning to visit the sea please check the weather and tides before heading to the coast, tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be back. Wear a lifejacket and always carry a means of calling for help. And if you see someone in danger in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

#RNLI - Ballycotton RNLI launched at around 10.30am yesterday morning (Monday 26 June) to aid a kitesurfer who had got into difficulty in Ballycotton Bay, Co Cork.

The all-weather lifeboat remained on standby as the inshore lifeboat headed to the casualty’s reported location.

Weather conditions at the time were described as mild with light winds.

Once on scene, the lifeboat crew brought the kitesurfer on board for medical assessment. When it was determined that no further medical attention was needed, the casualty was brought safely back to shore.

Speaking following the callout, Ballycotton RNLI coxswain Eolan Walsh said: “We would like to commend the numerous members of the public who raised the alarm this morning for their vigilance. Their quick thinking contributed to a positive outcome for all involved.

“We reminded everyone taking to the sea this summer to respect the water no matter what their activity.”

#RNLI - During the Sea Bangor Festival over the weekend, Bangor RNLI was delighted to welcome Jackie Patton of Ballyholme Yacht Club and Robert Montgomery from the Belfast Kayak Club to receive a cheque for £1,700 raised for the lifeboat station in the fifth annual Bangor Bay Sea Kayak Race last month.

Receiving the cheque was deputy launching authority Bryan Lawther, watched by crew members Kyle Marshall, Kat Lindsay, Joanne Heasley and Richard McClinton - and not forgetting Stormy Sam.

Thanking Patton and Montgomery, Lawther said: “As a charity, It is events like yours that raise the money we need to protect the waters around our coast.

“And the event itself gave us the opportunity to discuss sea safety with all participants.”

#RNLI - Wicklow RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was launched at 1.48pm on Saturday afternoon (24 June) after a member of the public reported a windsurfer in difficulty off Silver Strand, three miles south of Wicklow Harbour.

The lifeboat with three crew — helm Graham Fitzgerald, Vinne Mulvilhill and Connie O’Gara — was alongside the casualty seven minutes after launching. A local angling boat had also stood by the windsurfer until the lifeboat arrived.

The casualty was taken onto the lifeboat and assessed. He did not require any medical assistance and was landed safely back on Silver Strand a short time later.

Speaking after the callout, Wicklow RNLI lifeboat helm Graham Fitzgerald said: “We located the windsurfer about half a mile offshore. He had left the beach earlier but the wind dropped and he was unable to get back ashore.”

#RNLI - Clifden RNLI has carried out two medical evacuations from the island of Inishbofin off Connemara since Friday (23 June).

The pagers first sounded at 11.15am on Friday in response to a call for the medevac of an elderly woman in need of hospital treatment.

Clifden's D Class inshore lifeboat and crew were already on the water in Clifden Bay carrying out a scheduled exercise when they were called to transfer to the Atlantic 85, helmed by Joe Acton, that arrived at the island before the Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118, which was also tasked.

Lifeboat crew member Sinead Pryce assisted the casualty, and the lifeboat and helicopter worked together to ensure a seamless transfer.

The following morning (Saturday 24 June), pagers once again sounded shortly after 7.15am after a woman on Inishbofin had become suddenly unwell.

The all-weather boat Fisherman’s Friend was requested to respond and a crew was assembled including coxswain Alan Pryce, mechanic Robert King, navigator Owen Hayes and crew Brian Ward and Neil Gallery.

The casualty was transferred to the all-weather boat by the crew and island nurse and taken to Cleggan Pier where an ambulance was waiting.

Speaking following the callouts, Clifden RNLI lifeboat operations manager John Brittain said: “It has been a busy summer week for the Clifden lifeboats with three launches taking place involving our different boats in different scenarios.

“I want to thank the crew for responding to their pagers promptly in these cases so that we can continue to carry out this vital service in our local community.”

#RNLI - Clifden RNLI prepared for launch at 7.16pm on Tuesday evening (20 June) to assist a yacht gone aground in the Clifden Bay area.

Helm David Barry, along with volunteer crew Ian Shanahan, Brian Ward and Owen Hayes on the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, quickly located the 23ft yacht stranded on a rocky piece of shoreline.

The lone sailor on board was uninjured, and after communication with the lifeboat crew, it was agreed to tow the yacht from its location.

Clifden’s all-weather lifeboat and the Rescue 118 helicopter from Sligo were also requested to assist, but both were stood down when the yacht was successfully under tow.

Speaking following the callout, Barry said: “We returned the sailor and his yacht to a mooring in Clifden Bay and were glad to have been able to respond so quickly to a vessel in need of assistance.”

Meanwhile in West Cork, Union Hall RNLI were requested at 8.32pm to provide assistance to a 21ft yacht with two people on board, seven-and-a-half miles south of Adam Island at the entrance to Glandore Harbour.

The Union Hall inshore lifeboat Margaret Bench of Solihull launched within seven minutes and headed to the yacht, where sea conditions were calm but the yacht had encountered a squall, which resulted in the loss of a sail and instruments.

The lifeboat volunteers made contact with the two people on board, ensured there was no injuries, attached a tow line and towed the yacht back to the safety of Union Hall Pier.

Speaking after the callout, Union Hall RNLI lifeboat operations manager John Kelleher said: “The crew of the yacht made the right decision to contact the coastguard sooner rather than later.

“Always carry a means of communication, be it VHF or mobile phone. It is very important, especially at nighttime.”