Lough Derg RNLI launched following a report of a vessel aground at Kylenoe Rocks at the north-eastern end of Lough Derg last night.

At 7.01pm last night Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat was requested to launch by Valentia Coast Guard, following a report of two adults in difficulty after their 18ft motor boat went aground at Kylenoe Rocks, at the northern end of Lough Derg.

The lifeboat, with helm Eleanor Hooker, Dom Sharkey and Lian Knight on board, launched at 7.15pm. Winds were westerly, Force 2, visibility was good.

The lifeboat located the casualty vessel at Kylenoe Rocks with two people on board, both wearing their lifejackets. An RNLI crew member waded into the boat and reassured the two people on board. The boat had suffered damage to the propeller on their outboard engine, and so they had taken it off the transom and into the boat.

Once the boat was off the rocks and towed into safe water, the lifeboat took it under an alongside tow to Terryglass Harbour, where it was taken out of the water.

The lifeboat returned to Station and was ready for service again at 9.45pm.

Deputy Launching Authority, Brian Hanly advises all bot users to carry a means of communication and 'in case of emergency dial 999 or 112 and ask for Marine Rescue'.

#RNLI - Skerries RNLI responded yesterday afternoon (Saturday 28 May) to reports of a motorboat adrift with engine difficulties some four miles east of Malahide Estuary.

Skerries RNLI volunteers launched the lifeboat shortly before 2pm when Dublin Coast Guard tasked them to assist the boat, with four men on board, that was experiencing engine trouble.

Those on board the casualty vessel was able to provide the coastguard with GPS co-ordinates for their position.

As a result the lifeboat, with volunteer Joe May at the helm and crewed by Steven Johnson and Laura Boylan, were able to proceed directly to the vessel.

The motorboat was then taken under tow by the lifeboat and returned safely to Howth. Conditions at the time were clam with a slight sea fog.

Speaking after the callout, Skerries RNLI lifeboat operations manager Gerry Canning said: "Everyone on board was wearing a lifejacket and they were able to give us their exact location. Even the most prepared can encounter difficulties at sea.

"We would just like remind people that if they are in difficulty or see others who may be in difficulty to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."

Skerries RNLI is currently on the lookout for new volunteers to join its 18-strong crew, as previously reported on Afloat.ie.

Last Wednesday (25 May 2016) evening the Garda band took to the stage in Malahide Rugby Club to help raise funds for Howth RNLI and Malahide Lions Club charities. 150 people attended the event which raised over €2,000 for the local good causes.

Conducted by Inspector Pat Kenny, the band kicked off with the rousing traditional tune Sarah’s Delight which got the audience tapping their feet. Garda Charles Kavanagh gave Michael Bublé a run for his money with Frank Sinatra hits including Fly Me To The Moon. The band performed a poignant and haunting rendition of Danny Boy, a tune they usually play at ceremonies to remember their fallen colleagues. Some of the audience took to dancing in the aisles and singing along to Amarillo and Daniel O’Donnell’s hit I just want to dance with you and Johnny Cash’s Folsom Prison Blues.

The special guest performance was by the St. Oliver Plunkett Junior School Choir in Malahide, which included boys and girls from 2nd and 3rd class under the guidance of their teachers Ms. Annette Curry and Ms. Anne White. They sang a medley of songs including hits by ABBA and rendition of Row Your Boat specially for Howth RNLI.

The event was organised by Malahide Lions Club to help raise money for Howth RNLI and other charities which they support including; St. Francis Hospice, Hugh’s House, C.A.S.A., the Caroline Foundation, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and Laura Lynn.

Donal O’Meara, President of Malahide Lions Club commented,”

As first responders the Gardaí work closely with Howth RNLI, so it was fitting to have the Garda Band here to help raise money for the local lifeboat. Tonight has also helped to raise funds for other charities in the community which support senior citizens and needy families in the locality”.

Rose Michael, Howth RNLI Fundraising Chairperson said,

“This evening’s event has been a fantastic success. The money raised tonight will help to cover the costs of kitting out and training our crew, and the running costs of the lifeboat. With holiday season approaching more people will be taking to the water, it will be a busy time for our volunteer lifeboat crew to be saving lives at sea. We don’t receive any funding from government and are totally reliant on the generosity of the community, so every donation is gratefully accepted and greatly appreciated”.

A Mayday dinner was held in Malahide Yacht Club last Friday (27 May 2016) night to help raise funds for Howth RNLI as part of the charity’s annual national fundraising campaign. 24 people attended the event and contributed to raising € 120 on the night.

Tom Harrison (42) from Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex has reached the final stages of his preparations to windsurf 75 nautical miles to raise funds for the British Dyslexia Association and the RNLI. He hopes to raise a total of £10,000 for each nominated charity writes Sue Pelling

Despite his lifelong battle with dyslexia, Harrison has built a successful career as a boatbuilder, and fine jewellery designer/manufacturer. He is now keen to demonstrate to others who suffer from similar debilitating conditions, that by setting a personal challenge it is possible to find the strength, determination and the ability to see the positive side of seemingly daunting prospects.

Commenting on his decision to embark on such a challenge, Harrison said: “I once joined a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France to help the sick and disabled. It was a humbling and rewarding experience. And I wish to continue along this vein. Hence I have chosen my windsurf challenge to continue what I believe in.

“I am not doing this challenge to prove anything to the doubters and the ‘no’ people, I am here to celebrate the ‘yes’ people and the ‘you can’ and ‘do yourself proud’ people.”

After two years of planning, training, and raising funds for equipment, Harrison believes ‘the time is right’ and he hopes to attempt the challenge in July or August this year, depending on the weather conditions.

To complete the 75nm course on his custom-built carbonfibre board and Severne sail, in his target time of five hours, Harrison says he’ll need to clock up an average speed of 15kts, which means he’ll need a steady southerly breeze of 15-18kts.

Sailing across the North Sea from Burnham-on-Crouch (Swin Spitway) to Ostend, is no mean feat. Harrison will face many challenges along the way including biggest hazard of all – shipping. The Channel, which flows into the North Sea in this area, is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, so it will be down to Harrison and his support team on the accompanying Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) Restless, to work out a safe route through.

Thankfully, Team North Sea Challenge is well equipped with modern marine technology including Sci-Tech (POB) Tracker, which tracks in real time, independently of phone networks, using GNSS and RF technology. Communication between the support crew and Harrison will be via hand held VHF radios, and AIS (Automatic Identification System) to alert shipping, will be in use.

Commenting on his training and the level of fitness he has built up, to date, Harrison concluded: “I have been training for this for two years but with under three months to go, I have increased the intensity. I spend between one-two hours in the gym four or five days a week, as well as yoga every morning and as much on-the-water training as possible. My sailing sessions last anything between two and four hours, so it is full on.”

To follow the progress of Harrison’s North Sea Challenge, go to www.tomharrisonnorthseachallenge.com. There will also be constant news updates on Facebook (Tom Harrison North Sea Challenge) and Twitter (Thomas Harrison@tomwindsurfing).

To help raise funds for Harrison’s chosen charities – RNLI and British Dyslexia Association

About Tom Harrison

Tom Harrison (42) lives and works in Burnham-on-Crouch and runs his own design and manufacturing company specialising in fine jewellery. Although dyslexia has threatened to disrupt his life, his will power and passion for sailing, in particular, has helped him conquer personal challenges including his attempt at the North Sea Challenge. With the support of his family, friends and partner Jo, Harrison’s aim, in addition to raising funds for two charities, is to leave a lasting legacy to help inspire those suffering similar disabilities, to live their dreams.

#RNLI - Both Wicklow RNLI lifeboats launched after 7.20pm on Sunday evening (22 May) to assist two men in a small motor cruiser near Wicklow Head.

A member of the public contacted the Irish Coast Guard after seeing the men bailing water out of the vessel.

The motor cruiser was located about a half-mile northeast of Wicklow Head a short time later.

Weather conditions on scene were described as having a moderate sea state with north-easterly Force 3 winds and good visibility.

The boat was taken in tow by the all-weather lifeboat back to Wicklow Harbour, where the two occupants were taken ashore safe and well by the inshore lifeboat crew.

#RNLI - Crosshaven RNLI launched to reports of a man overboard from a visiting US Coast Guard cutter off Cork Harbour yesterday morning (Tuesday 24 May).

According to the station's Facebook page, the Crosshaven lifeboat was tasked alongside the local Irish Coast Guard unit and the Waterford-based coastguard helicopter Rescue 117 after the crewman fell overboard from the vessel conformed by gCaptain as the sail training barque Eagle.

However the operation was stood down shortly after launch as the tall ship mounted its own successful rescue of the casualty.

Eagle, which previously visited Irish waters in 2011, is expected in Dublin later this week before sailing to Britain and Portugal next month.

Starting this Saturday is CH Marine's Life Jacket Awareness Week. The Cork yacht shop has got special offers, competitions and helpful information all about life jackets & safety equipment. The week kicks off with a visit by the RNLI Lifejacket Safe Check Team to CH Marine's Cork City branch this Saturday from 11.00–16.00 hrs.

#RNLI - Skerries RNLI is looking for new volunteer crew members to join its search and rescue service in North Co Dublin.

The station currently has 18 lifeboat and three shore crew to cover its service on the north east coast of Dublin but is now calling on new volunteers to come forward and find out how they can get involved in helping the charity continue to save lives at sea.

Skerries RNLI has over 100 years' aggregate service and has been operating as an inshore lifeboat station for over 25 years. The current Atlantic 85 lifeboat – Louis Simson, placed on service 2013 – provides cover for part of the East Coast of Ireland.

Last year, the lifeboat in Skerries launched 10 times, bringing 16 people to safety. This week alone it launched twice, to rescue three swimmers caught in a rip current and a young man on a personal water craft with engine difficulties.

Niall McGrotty, Skerries RNLI lifeboat operations manager, is calling on any volunteers who may be interested to get in touch and find out more.

"We are looking for anyone aged 17 years and over, working or living in Skerries, who is willing to offer some of their free time to join what I believe to be, one of the most exhilarating and rewarding voluntary services that is out there.

"Ideally we are looking for volunteers with daytime availability. Every volunteer receives first-class training from the RNLI and learns new skills which can benefit them in many walks of life.

"Lifeboat crew members need to have a reasonable level of fitness, have good eyesight and not be colour blind. Anyone who would like to volunteer but feels they would not meet the requirements for lifeboat crew should in no way be put off, as shore crew also play an essential role in the launch and recovery of the lifeboat when it goes on service."

Anyone who feels they have the time and commitment to volunteer for the charity on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year is asked to contact the station at [email protected] or Niall McGrotty at 087 241 8967.

#RNLI - Alex Ellis-Roswell recently walked into Mayo without any fanfare but with the sole aim to continue his marathon walk to raise funds for the RNLI, a charity close to his heart.

The 23-year-old Kent native is well on his way to smashing a £20,000 (€25,000) fundraising target which will see vital funds raised for the lifeboats.

When he set out 649 days ago, Ellis-Roswell planned to walk along the British coastline only, but he changed his mind and boarded a ferry to Belfast last year to add the beautiful Irish coastline to his journey.

When he finishes he will have walked the entire length of the Irish and UK coasts.

Ellis-Roswell has had many adventures along the way with strangers opening their doors to him and providing food and company for him along the way. Their kindness has seen him almost reach his target, which he now plans to exceed.

The weather had not been kind along the way, and he has pitched his tent in some stunning but remote places with the wind and the rain beating down on him. He has also battled with the toll the epic walk has taken on both his knees.

Starting his walk in Ireland at Belfast last year, he came down along the east coast before rounding the southern coastline and trekking along the Cork and Kerry peninsulas, clocking up hundreds of kilometres.

He has now crossed the border into Mayo and the sun has come out to match the hospitality of the locals to make it a special stop on his journey. Two important places for him to call in to visit have been the Achill and Ballyglass RNLI lifeboat stations, where he was made feel very welcome.

Commenting on the incredible fundraising initiative when Ellis-Roswell stopped by to visit the lifeboat crew and fundraisers with Ballyglass RNLI, the station’s volunteer lifeboat press officer Agatha Hunt said: "We were honoured to welcome Alex to our door and to hear about his adventures so far. It is incredible to think that a young man from across the water would do this for a charity which is very close to all of us here.

"Every lifeboat station and volunteer shares a common goal to save lives and help those in difficulty but it is very touching to see someone so young doing this to help in our work. I know his father, who also had great affection, for the RNLI would have been very proud of him."

Huge thanks are also due to the Broadhaven Bay Hotel, Léim Siar B&B Blacksod, Western Strand Hotel and the Kilcummin Lodge B&B who supported the young man in his walk by providing accommodation during his visit.

If people wish donate to Alex Ellis-Roswell they can do so via his online fundraising page. He is also cataloguing his journey on social media and can be followed on Facebook or Twitter.

#RNLI - Irish country music sensation Nathan Carter is set to headline the inaugural Waves Music Festival on Sunday 28 August 2016 at Loftus Hall in the historic coastal area of Hook Head.

The family-themed day-long music event is being run in aid of the Fethard RNLI fundraising appeal, which is set to raise €65,000 needed for a new inshore lifeboat due to be placed on service in Fethard at the end of 2017.

Performing alongside Nathan Carter will be home-grown group Corner Boy and new to the Irish music scene, Wexford’s own Elmore.

A further act is set to be announced in the next few weeks which will be cause a great deal of excitement among the teenage audience, ensuring that the day appeals to all the family.

RNLI in conjunction with Beat will be providing the opportunity for one lucky artists within the south east to perform live and kick off the festival on the Sunday.

Momentum Events have joint forces with the Fethard RNLI fundraising team and will create a dedicated family kids area within one of the walled gardens. This will allow a secure play area for the full family to enjoy.

Loftus Hall proprietor Aidan Quigley said: "Loftus Hall is delighted to support the RNLI and offer our unique and unusual venue for the event. This year Loftus Hall celebrates its 666th anniversary."

Fethard RNLI volunteer lifeboat press officer Rebecca Doyle also commented: "The Waves Music Festival is the first music festival the RNLI have undertaken in the South East and it is a huge privilege for us to be given this opportunity.

"The event has a capacity of up to 5,000 people and a purpose built event site will be created at Loftus Hall for the occasion, creating a picnic style theme for the summer event.

"We are particularly thrilled to have an artist of the calibre of Nathan Carter play the festival. Nathan has a huge following in Ireland and his shows have been packing out venues across the country.

"We hope that people locally will support this great event and that we will welcome many visitors to the area on the day. While loads of fun will be had, this festival has its roots in a great cause and that is saving lives at sea and supporting the work of the charity on the South East coast."

Gates open at 11am and the concert finishes at 8pm. Tickets for the daylong event are €25 each with €85 for a family of four. For more information visit www.wavesfestival.ie.