The volunteer crews of Wexford and Rosslare Harbour RNLI rescued four people after their boat suffered engine failure outside of Wexford Harbour shortly after 5pm on Tuesday (9 May).

Rosslare Harbour RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat, under coxswain Eamonn O’Rourke and four other crew members onboard, was first on scene — locating the casualty vessel with assistance from the Kilmore Quay Harbour Master.

Having assessed the situation, the decision was made to tow the boat into safe waters. Wexford RNLI then took over the tow to navigate the casualty over Wexford bar and through the sandbanks of Wexford Harbour. The four people were safely brought ashore just before 7pm.

Weather conditions at the time were reasonably good, with a Force 3 westerly wind and good visibility with some showers.

Speaking following the callout, Wexford RNLI helm Damien Foley said: “The casualties did the right thing and contacted the coastguard when they were in difficulty. All four were also wearing lifejackets. This callout was well executed between ourselves and our colleagues in Rosslare Harbour.

“We would remind people that if you see anyone in difficulty on or near the water to ring 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

Wexford RNLI’s crew included helm Damien Foley, Sinead Casey, James Flood and Dave Murray. Deputy launching authority was David Sherwood and shore crew was Dermot Foley. Rosslare Harbour RNLI’s crew included coxswain Eamonn O’Rourke, mechanic Keith Morris, Peter Carr, Paul McCormack and Seamus McDonald.

Dun Laoghaire Harbour RNLI has responded to two back-to-back call outs today (Friday 12 May) to first rescue a dog trapped on rocks and then to go to the aid of five anglers after their 6m boat encountered engine difficulties.

Lifeboat crew members Nathan Burke, Andrew Sykes and Ronan Adams were on a training exercise on the station’s D class lifeboat, ahead of their upcoming helms assessments, when at 11.30 am they were diverted at the request of the Irish Coast Guard following a report that a dog was in need of assistance at the back of the west pier.

Weather conditions at the time were good, with a moderate Force 2 breeze, good visibility, and a slight sea state.

The dog was out on a walk with its owner when they got separated and the dog fell from the pier onto the rocks below, which were inaccessible from the shore. The lifeboat crew immediately went to the scene where they observed the Springer Spaniel in a difficult location where the lifeboat had to manoeuvre in amid a challenging swell. Crew member Andrew Sykes then emerged from the lifeboat to rescue the dog who was shaken but uninjured. The dog was subsequently reunited with its owner.

Then this afternoon at 1.23 pm, Dun Laoghaire RNLI was requested again, this time by the Irish Coast Guard to launch the station’s all-weather lifeboat to go to the aid of five anglers after their 6m boat experience engine problems.

The lifeboat launched under Coxswain Mark McGibney and with five crew members onboard. The fishermen had been on an angling day trip when the boat got into difficulty south of the Bailey Lighthouse on its return to Dun Laoghaire.

Once on scene, the crew observed that all five onboard were wearing lifejackets and were safe and well. Having assessed the situation, a decision was made to tow the boat back to the nearest safe port at Dun Laoghaire which took 45 minutes.

Speaking following today’s call outs, Jenny Needham, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said: ‘This was a busy morning and early afternoon for our two crews on both the inshore and all-weather lifeboat and they were all delighted to help and bring the anglers and the dog to safety. The dog owner and the fishermen did the right thing in raising the alarm when they experienced difficulty, that is always the right thing to do.

‘We would remind pet owners to keep their dogs on leads near cliff edges. Should a pet get into difficulty and end up in the water, don’t go in after them, move to a place where the dog can get to safely and then call them. If they can’t get out themselves, call for help but don’t attempt a rescue yourself.

‘This weekend is promising good weather with temperatures of between 16-20 degrees and light winds and we expect to see people heading to the coast to enjoy water sports and boating activities.

We would remind everyone that water temperatures are still very cold at this time of year and cold water shock can affect everyone. To avoid this, if you are planning on entering the water, you should do so by acclimatising to the water slowly to get used to the cold.

In good weather, you still need to keep your safety a priority. Seek local knowledge and ensure the location where you are doing your water sports is appropriate and safe.

Should you get into difficulty, or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’

Final preparations are under way at the three Donegal-based RNLI lifeboat stations at Bundoran and Lough Swilly and Arranmore for the charity’s Mayday Mile challenge which will see six volunteer crew — two from each station — climb Donegal’s highest summit, Errigal, this Saturday 13 May in full RNLI crew kit.

Since the fundraiser was announced a few weeks ago, the six lifeboat crew members — Chris Fox and Brian Fowley (Bundoran), Stephen Quigley and Barry Nixon (Lough Swilly) and Aisling Cox and Brian Proctor (Arranmore) — have been psyching themselves up for the challenge. Gym sessions have been completed and many steps have been climbed in preparation for the event.

Killian O’Kelly, RNLI water safety education manager and organiser of the fundraiser has been encouraging the six crew as they ready for the challenge.

“We’ll be right there with them on the day — we know it’ll be a tough one for them,” he said. “I’d like to thank everyone who has donated so far and remind people who would like to contribute that the JustGiving page remains open and details can be found on each station’s Facebook page.

“A massive thanks also to the crew from each station who have volunteered to complete the challenge. It’s not what the crews are used to, they face challenging conditions at sea when they go and help those in trouble on the water, but this is very different for them. We also want to show people where their funds go and that we are grateful for every cent to give us.”

During the month of May the RNLI is encouraging members of the public to complete their own ‘Mayday Mile’ however they see fit. The money raised could help RNLI lifesavers have everything they need to keep families safe this summer. Warmer weather draws more people to the water and RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews will drop whatever they’re doing when a call for help comes in.

For updates on the Errigal climb on the day, keep an eye on the social media channels of Arranmore RNLI, Bundoran RNLI and Lough Swilly RNLI.

Donations to the Errigal challenge can be made via the JustGiving page and the final sum will be divided equally between the three Donegal stations.

Elsewhere, volunteers with Dunmore East RNLI are preparing for their own vertical Mayday Mile by summiting the highest peaks in both the Comeragh and Knockmealdown mountains, as previously reported on Afloat.ie.

Bangor RNLI came to the aid of a lone sailor yesterday morning (Sunday, 7 May) after his 35ft yacht broke down east of Carrickfergus Castle on Belfast Lough.

The volunteer crew had just assembled at the station for a routine training exercise when at 10 am, Belfast Coastguard requested the inshore lifeboat to launch and go to the assistance of the sailor.

The lifeboat Jessie Hillyard, helmed by Gavin Mitchell and with crew members Katherine Lindsay, Kyle Marshall and Gareth Whan onboard, launched immediately and made its way to the scene.

Weather conditions at the time were good, with light airs, a Force 1-2 wind and calm seas.

Once on scene, the crew observed that the sailor, who was wearing a lifejacket, had dropped the yacht’s anchor to secure the vessel until the lifeboat arrived.

A decision was made to establish a tow line and bring the yacht and the sailor to the nearest safe port at Carrickfergus Marina.

Carrybridge RNLI in Northern Ireland were delighted to receive a generous donation of £1,500 from the Erne Boat Rally committee at the lifeboat station this past Thursday evening (4 May).

The money was raised following the annual boat rally gathering which took place on Lough Erne over the June Bank Holiday weekend in 2022.

Over 50 cruisers attended the Erne Boat Rally weekend, with some 140 people having a very enjoyable cruising experience on both Upper and Lower Lough Erne.

Stephen Scott, lifeboat operations manager at Carrybridge RNLI said: “The funds raised are vital to the continuing work of the Carrybridge RNLI on Lough Erne, and will assist with future lifesaving operations.

“It was very much appreciated that the Erne Boat Rally committee continued with raising vital funds for their local RNLI lifeboat station.”

The RNLI has been chosen as one of six charity partners for Ireland West Airport this year.

Funds raised for the RNLI by the airport in Knock, Co Mayo will be donated to and shared by the two lifeboat stations in the county, at Achill Island and Ballyglass.

Ireland West Airport made the announcement in late April with Breakthrough Cancer Research, Diabetes Ireland, The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, The Children’s Cancer Fund and the Mayo Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals also selected by airport staff as its charity partners for 2023.

The airport is extending its charity partners from three to six in 2023 in recognition of the fantastic work the charities do at both a local and national level.

Several events will take place during the course of 2023 which will engage passengers and staff with the aim of raising as much money as possible for all charity partners.

The headline event for 2023 will be their annual 5k runway fun run which will take place on the runway at Ireland West Airport in September.

Speaking following the announcement, RNL community manager Brian Wilson said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for the RNLI and we are so grateful to all at Ireland West Airport for choosing the charity that saves lives at sea as one of their charity partners for 2023.

“Any funds raised will help to power the lifesaving work of our volunteer crews at Achill Island and Ballyglass RNLI. We wish all in the airport the best of luck with the fundraising events they have planned for the year ahead.”

Dunmore East RNLI assisted a crew of three people onboard a yacht stranded off Hook Head late on Thursday night (4 May).

After receiving an alert from the Irish Coast Guard, the volunteer lifeboat crew were called into action at 11.43pm to assist the 10m yacht in distress some one-and-a-half miles northwest of Hook Head.

The yacht, with three people onboard, found itself adrift after losing both engine power and electrics amid challenging weather conditions.

The Shannon class all-weather lifeboat William and Agnes Wray was promptly launched, and upon the crew conducting a search in the reported vicinity, it reached the yacht in poor visibility, with Force 5-6 winds, a moderate sea state and rainy conditions.

After evaluating the situation and ensuring the well-being of the yacht’s crew, the decision was made to tow the vessel back to the safety of Dunmore East Harbour.

Speaking following the callout, lifeboat coxswain Roy Abrahamsson said: “The yacht’s crew were relieved to see us arrive, as the loss of power had left them adrift and vulnerable in the challenging wind and rain conditions in darkness.

“We urge those going afloat to check their engine and fuel, always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, and carry a means of calling for help.

“The lifeboat crew successfully completed the operation, with the lifeboat returning to the pontoon at 1am. This latest call out showcases the professionalism and dedication of Dunmore East RNLI’s volunteers, who consistently provide a vital service for those in need at sea. If you see someone in difficulty on or near the water, dial 999/112 or use Marine VHF Channel 16 and ask for the coastguard.”

Rosslare Harbour RNLI came to the aid of a man after his 16 ft inflatable fishing boat got into difficulty off Ballytrent Beach on Tuesday, 2 May.

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat by the Irish Coast Guard shortly before 6 pm. The lifeboat under Coxswain Eamonn O’Rourke and six crew members onboard, launched at 6 pm and made its way to the scene.

Weather conditions at the time were described as fine and dry with a slight wind and calm seas.

Once on scene, the crew observed that the man was safe and well. Having assessed the situation, a decision was made to tow the vessel to the nearest safe port at St Helen’s Harbour.

Speaking following the call out, Jamie Ryan, Rosslare Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: ‘We were delighted to be of assistance this evening and bring the man safely back to shore. We would remind anyone planning a trip to sea always to wear a lifejacket and always carry a means of communication such as a mobile phone or VHF radio. Always let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back. Should you get into difficulty or see someone in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’

The lifeboat crew on this call out were Coxswain Eamonn O’Rourke, Mechanic Michael Nicholas and crew members Keith Miller, Padraig Quirke, Keith Morris, Seamus Macdonald and Paul McCormack.

Youghal RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew were tasked to launch for the fourth time over the May bank holiday weekend, on Monday evening (1 May), following a report of a 5.5 metre RIB (rigid inflatable boat) that had broken down due to engine failure, approximately five miles south-east of Youghal Harbour.

The Atlantic 85 class lifeboat, helmed by John Griffin Jnr, launched at 3.32 pm and reached the casualty vessel within ten minutes. Weather conditions were favourable with a force 3 south-westerly wind on a falling tide.

When the lifeboat crew arrived on scene the crew observed that the two people onboard the vessel had succeeded in restarting the engine and that the boat was now functionally operating. They did not need further assistance but requested the lifeboat crew to escort them back to the Ferry point in Youghal harbour, where they originally had set out from, in case the vessel got into difficulty again.

Youghal RNLI Deputy Launching Authority Mark Nolan said ‘The two people aboard the boat had many means of communication to call for assistance and they were able to successfully contact the Coast Guard and request help. As they were far from land when the vessel broke down, this was an important for their safety, while at sea.’

‘This call out was the fourth one for our volunteer crew over the bank holiday weekend and I would like to thank them, along with our shore crew, for dropping everything to answer these calls. As volunteers, they train for each type of emergency at sea and often don’t know what they are launching to until they arrive on scene. Sadly, during the weekend, the lifeboat crew launched, as part of a multi-agency response, to an incident in Whiting Bay where a young man drowned in a swimming accident. We send our condolences to his family and friends at this sad time.’

Representatives from the City of Galway Shipping company visited Galway RNLI during their weekly training session, to present the charity with a donation of €5,000. The company, which has been in operation since 1947, is based a short distance from the Galway lifeboat station, at New Docks. This donation brings the amount raised for the charity in Galway this year, to €100,000, with a recent legacy and a donation from the Marine Institute.

Before the volunteer lifeboat crew went out on their training exercise, Galway Shipping’s General Manager Tom McElwain and board members John Coyle and Dr John Killeen met with Galway RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Mike Swan and some of the team based at the lifeboat station, to present the €5,000 donation.

The City of Galway Shipping Company has made the donation in support of the lifesaving work of the RNLI, which will next year be celebrating 200 years of search and rescue. The company’s board members are all successors of the founders and are admirers of the work of the lifeboats. John Coyle is also a former Chairperson of the RNLI’s Irish Council and Trustee of the RNLI, while Dr John Killeen is the current Chairperson of the Irish Council and a Trustee of the charity.

"This donation brings the amount raised for the charity in Galway this year, to €100,000"

Speaking at the cheque presentation, John Coyle said: ‘With Galway Shipping based a short distance from the lifeboat station, we have all seen first-hand, the volunteers launching, in all weathers and at all hours of the day and night, to rescue people. The lifeboat crew based here and at the stations around the country do a fantastic job, and the shareholders are proud to give this donation to the charity for their lifesaving work. With the RNLI celebrating its 200th anniversary next year, I hope there will be many such occasions in the future.’

Galway RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Mike Swan added: ‘We are delighted to receive this donation on behalf of the RNLI. The investment in our lifeboat, the kit our volunteers wear and the training everyone must undertake can be seen every time we launch. We have a great bunch of people who volunteer their time to help others. Behind the crew is a strong team that supports the lifesaving on the water. Our volunteers all work in different jobs in the community but are united in a common goal, to save lives. We are extremely grateful for the generosity of our donors that supports us in doing this.’

The month of May is the RNLI’s Mayday appeal. People can run, walk, hop or skip a mayday mile a day to raise funds for the lifeboat crews and help save lives at sea. See RNLI.org/Mayday for details.