#RNLI - Dun Laoghaire RNLI was involved in the recovery yesterday afternoon of a sinking boat following the rescue of three people after the vessel began to sink off the Wicklow coast.

Three people were pulled from the water when their small boat got into difficulty off Bray on Sunday 12 May.

A local boat responded to the Mayday alert and brought the casualties to safety.



The RNLI lifeboat from Dun Laoghaire and the Greystones Coast Guard boat took the boat that was almost fully submersed under tow to shore.



Winds gusted to storm force towards the end of the operation but conditions were otherwise fresh, with only choppy waves off the coast.



The incident occurred shortly after midday when the 15ft speedboat was almost one mile from Bray Harbour.

Cork's Crosshaven inshore lifeboat launched at 1.25pm today to reports of a 37' dismasted yacht off Roberts Head on the Cork harbour coastline. (See video below)

The crew of Alan Venner, James Fegan and Vince Fleming made best speed to the yacht about 5 miles from the station.

On arrival the crew helped secure the remains of the mast to the toe rail before escorting the yacht back to Crosshaven.

The lifeboat gave the yacht an alongside tow into it's marina berth as it entered Crosshaven.

Weather conditions were good with a force 5 South westerly wind. The lifeboat was rehoused and ready for service at 16.30.

Castletownbere RNLI in west Cork will officially open its new lifeboat station on Saturday, 18 May. Afloat correspondent Tom MacSweeney will declare the new lifeboat building open at a special ceremony beginning at 2.30pm which will include a service of dedication where the boathouse will be blessed and the official handing over of the station from the institution to Castletownbere RNLI.

The event will mark a significant milestone in the station's 16 year history as the new building and facilities will greatly enhance the operational capability of Castletownbere's all-weather Severn class lifeboat Annette Hutton, and support the crew in their work of saving lives at sea.

The volunteer lifeboat crew moved into the new station late last year after spending 15 years in temporary accommodation at Dinish Island.

The new station and pontoon has been built on reclaimed land in Castletownbere and the new location means that the lifeboat crew can respond to callouts even faster.

The entire project cost €950,000 and includes a two storey lifeboat station with an adjoining pontoon from where the station's Severn class all weather lifeboat launches.  The station houses a crew changing room, RNLI shop, training room and an operations office.

The building was designed by Gordon Philips who has worked on seven RNLI lifeboat stations for the charity. Work on the lifeboat station was carried out by Castletownbere construction and the pontoon was constructed by Crowley Engineering in Cork.

The project was made possible by the provision, from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, to the RNLI of a plot of reclaimed land on which the station was built.  It has provided the lifeboat crew with the perfect location from which to launch.

Castletownbere RNLI Coxswain Brian O'Driscoll said the opening ceremony would provide a special opportunity for the West Cork community to welcome the station's new home and see how it will support its volunteers as they carry out their lifesaving work: 'Since Castletownbere lifeboat station was established in 1997, we have been fortunate in the level of support we have received both locally and from further afield. We have amazing lifeboat volunteers and supporters and now we have a station that reflects that.  The official opening ceremony will give us the opportunity to thank all those who organised fundraising activities, events, contributed financially or helped in any way to get us to this point as well as allowing us to acknowledge and thank our crew both past and present.'

Casltetownbere RNLI has launched 223 times since the lifeboat was first put on service. Its crews have rescued 288 people and saved 30 lives. Last year alone, the lifeboat launched 10 times, bringing 12 people to safety. Five of those services took place in the dark while the volunteer crew spent 258 service hours at sea.

Throughout its history, there have been a great variety of call outs - sometimes long in duration, sometimes brief. There have been moments of humour and occasionally tragic circumstances. Two particular rescues, undertaken in difficult circumstances received commendation from the RNLI's Operations Director Michael Vlasto. These included the rescue of a seriously injured fisherman on the Skellig Dawn in February 2002 and the rescue of the Saint Gothard in February 2007.

Among those who will join Tom MacSweeney in officiating at next week's ceremony will be John Nolan, chairman of the Castletownbere RNLI Lifeboat Management Group, John Coyle, chairman of the Irish RNLI Council, Tony O'Sullivan, Castletownbere RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Father Sean O'Shea, RNLI Chaplain and Reverend Paul Willoughby.

#RNLI - Two volunteer crew members from Kinsale RNLI came to the rescue of a husky dog who had a dramatic fall off a cliff near the Co Cork village recently.

Koda, a pedigree husky, was inspecting the coastline around Sandycove when she got too close to the edge and slipped over the 30ft cliff.

The dog landed in water with a strong current that swept her out to sea despite her desperate struggles to reach the shore. She managed to get herself back on a ledge by which time the alarm was raised and volunteer lifeboat crew were on their way.

A jagged reef also meant that Kinsale RNLI’s inshore lifeboat couldn't get close enough to help drag the struggling dog from the water.

However, Kinsale RNLI volunteers Nick Searls and Ian Fitzgerald were at the scene within minutes, and realised the danger facing the terrified dog.

Searles dived into the sea and swam over 60 metres to reach the animal. He managed to attach a harness and was able to swim slowly back to shore, dragging the weakened Koda with him. He was then assisted by safety line out of the sea by Fitzgerald.

Koda was immediately taken to a Kinsale vet, who confirmed that despite being exhausted and shocked by her ordeal, the dog was none the worse for wear.

In other news, Donaghadee RNLI assisted two men on board a yacht which got into difficulty off the Co Down coast yesterday morning (Tuesday 7 May).

The volunteer lifeboat crew was requested to launch at 9.50am by Bangor Coastguard to go to the aid of a yacht which had ran aground.

The 30ft yacht with two people on board had gone aground on rocks at the entrance to Donaghadee Marina.

With the help of another vessel, the lifeboat crew was quickly able to get a tow line to the yacht and pull it off the rocks.

The yacht, which had sustained some damage to its rudder, was able to make its way safely into the marina.

#rnli – President Michael D. Higgins, paid a special call to Courtmacsherry RNLI lifeboat station during an official visit to the Cork harbour village over the bank holiday weekend. 

The President was accompanied by his wife Sabina and the couple spent some time viewing the historical exhibition in the lifeboat station before unveiling a plaque on the lifeboat station's wall to commemorate the visit.  The President and Mrs Higgins then walked through the village where the President addressed the crowds that had gathered in the sunshine on the main street.

President Higgins and Mrs Higgins first stop on arriving in the village was the stone lifeboat station in the middle of the main street which overlooks the harbour and the lifeboat. There he was greeted by Michele O 'Dwyer, Chairperson of the Courtmacsherry fundraising Branch, Barry Flynn, lifeboat station co-ordinator, Coxswain Sean O'Farrell, Lifeboat Mechanic Stuart Russell and Deputy Launching Authority Diarmuid Mahony.  They met with the Courtmacsherry RNLI volunteers, station management and former Coxswain and bronze medal awardee Dan O 'Dwyer before viewing the lifeboat exhibition in the station and signing the visitor's book.
The Presidential couple viewed documents and photographs from the sinking of the Lusitania when the Courtmacsherry lifeboat launched with the crew rowing for over three hours in a desperate bid to reach survivors from the torpedoed vessel off the Old Head of Kinsale, Co Cork. They also learned of the lifeboats role in the search and rescue operation following the Fastnet Race tragedy of 1979 where fifteen sailors lost their lives. The Courtmacsherry lifeboat was among of group of RNLI lifeboats which spent 75 hours at sea in 60 knot winds.

Welcoming the President to Courtmacsherry, Courtmachserry RNLI Fundraising Chairperson Michele O'Dwyer said, "We could not have a more distinguished guest.  This is a historic day for our village.  Courmachserry lifeboat station has a long and distinguished history, being one of the first established stations in 1825.  It is my privilege on behalf of Courtmacsherry lifeboat station and the surrounding area of Barryroe to formally welcome the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina to Courtmacsherry.

The President then spoke to the crowds gathered in the sunshine and paid tribute to the lifeboat volunteers and the community, "The Courtmacsherry lifeboat service has a long and proud history that stretches back almost two hundred years. There is something extraordinary about both the great promise and the great threat of the sea but even more so by the lives of those who have to deal with it and those in particular who have to use their skill and patience and every characteristic of the human spirit to actually address the position of those who are in difficulties.

Courtmacsherry has had a relationship with the sea that has always called forth the greatest examples of heroism and courage but also practicality and preparation to be able to be of assistance. To be of assistance you have to have so many different characteristics. I think that today in Ireland we must always look and take example and strength from those who give us the greatest examples.  I think it is uplifting that in this place that demonstrates so strongly what community means, a lifeboat is there and the community stands behind the lifeboat."

The Courtmacsherry exhibition had a strong emphasis on the lifeboat and its crew with most families in the village having had loved ones serving as volunteer lifeboat crew since 1825. To mark the occasion of the visit of the President and Mrs Higgins, two presentations were made.  The first was a piece of sculpture which was presented to President Higgins by volunteer lifeboat crewmember Gearóid O'Donovan, whose grandfather Jack was also a lifeboat volunteer. The piece was called ´circle of friends` and was made by local woman Gillian Noonan.  It was to represent the gathering of people in Courtmacsherry for this special occasion and was presented on a wooden plinth turned from local wood by Barry Flynn.  Courtmacsherry RNLI fundraiser Martha Drake also presented a bouquet of flowers to Mrs Higgins.

Hundreds of people lined the street in the good weather and the President and Mrs Higgins stayed behind to meet with many of the well-wishers.

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

The station currently has 17 lifeboat and two shore crew to cover its inshore service on Strangford Lough 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.

To that end, the station will be hosting two open days early next month for all interested candidates to learn more.

"We are looking for anyone aged 17 years and over 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," said lifeboat operations manager Brian Bailie.

"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."

He added: "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."

For anyone who feels they have the time and commitment to volunteer for the charity which is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, is asked to email Brian at [email protected].

Alternatively, prospective volunteers can come along to the station’s open days from 7-9pm next Tuesday 7 May or from 2-4pm next Saturday 11 May.

Elsewhere in Northern Ireland, primary school children will have the opportunity to hit the surf with RNLI lifeguards over the next month.

The charity’s ‘Hit the Surf’ programme runs from 7 May to 7 June on the East Strand Beach in Portrush.

Aimed at primary five to seven pupils aged eight to 11, the programme - which is expanding to accommodate more schools this year - gives children a unique opportunity to gain practical lessons in lifesaving and beach safety. All equipment is provided free of charge.

Each session lasts two-and-a half-hours and includes a theory lesson on staying safe at the beach, the role of beach lifeguards and the RNLI, and detailed information on flags and rip currents.

There are practical lessons in lifesaving and surf based skills, while lifeguards aim to build pupils confidence in the sea. Children also learn about the local hazards and the beach environment.

Sessions are still available for schools who want to book pupils in. For more information contact Jessica on 0777 441 4208 or email [email protected]

Last year RNLI lifeguards located on beaches in Co Down and along the Causeway Coast responded to 158 incidents and assisted 176 people who found themselves in difficulty.

#RNLI - Kilrush RNLI lifeboat station was put on standby on Monday 29 April for an aircraft with engine trouble, and later called to a person who drove into the water.

At 2pm on Monday the Irish Coast Guard at Shannon alerted the station authorities that there was a private aircraft descending in the region of the River Shannon with engine problems. It was reported that there were four people on board.

After a half an hour the lifeboat crew were informed the plane made a safe landing at Shannon Airport and the station was stood down.



Later that day at 8.47pm pagers were activated by the coastguard in Shannon to alert the crew that a person was reported to have driven off the road into the water in the area of Labasheeda, about nine nautical miles from Kilrush. 

The lifeboat crew assembled and within eight minutes were launched and on their way to this area. Conditions on this evening were most favourable.

After five minutes they were stood down as members of the local Gardai had managed to rescue the driver and bring him ashore. An ambulance was standing by at this area to assist the casualty and team of helpers.



Kilrush lifeboat operations manager John Lamb praised the speed of the crew and the efficiency on which the launch took place.

“At times like these it’s always good to know that our team are trained to the highest standards to deal with callouts such as this evening,” he said.

In other news, President Michael D Higgins will pay a special call to Courtmacsherry RNLI lifeboat station this weekend during an official visit to the Cork village.

While there he will view an impressive historical exhibition which is running all through the May bank holiday weekend.

The exhibition, which has been planned for months, will have a strong emphasis on the lifeboat and its crew with most families in the village having had loved ones serving as volunteer lifeboat crew since 1825.

To mark this fact, local families have displayed the name of that lifeboat crew member outside their home and placed a pair of wellington boots on their doorstep. The yellow lifeboat boot is an iconic piece of the RNLI crew members' kit.

President Higgins is expected to arrive in Courtmacsherry at 4pm on Sunday 5 May and will first visit the lifeboat station where he will be met by volunteer lifeboat crew past and present and members of the station management and fundraisers.

The station has a proud history of lifesaving with 14 awards for gallantry.

Courtmacsherry RNLI launched after the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915 when the lifeboat crew rowed for over three hours in a desperate bid to reach survivors from the torpedoed vessel off the Old Head of Kinsale.

And during the Fastnet Race tragedy of 1979, in which 15 sailors lost their lives, the Courtmacsherry lifeboat was among of group of RNLI boats that spent 75 hours at sea in 60-knot winds.

#RNLI - Lough Derg RNLI in Tipperary had a celebration for Nick Theato earlier this month as he handed over the role of treasurer to Caleb Clarke.

On Thursday 14 April, Theato brought his wife Mary and three of his five children - Barry (home from Australia), Anne and Paul (home from the UK) - down to the station to meet crew and members of the operations and fundraising committees.

Nick Theato, who has served as honorary treasurer for the Nenagh RNLI Fundraising Branch for the past 15 years and for the Lough Derg RNLI since it came on service 10 years ago, is handing over treasurer duties to the capable care of Caleb Clarke, but is remaining on the fundraising committee.

Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat operations manager Pat Garland introduced everyone and Niamh McCutcheon, chair of the Nenagh RNLI Fundraising Branch, presented Theato with a certificate of thanks on behalf of the RNLI. Previously in 2010 he received a silver medal for voluntary service to the RNLI.

Theato’s good friend Pat Kelly - fellow sailor, lifeboat administrative officer for Lough Derg RNLI and secretary to the Nenagh Fundraising Committee - said that "after Mary and his children, Nick’s great love is his boat Bo-Bo".

On behalf of Lough Derg RNLI, Kelly presented Theato with a picture of Bo-Bo by artist Clare Hartigan. Nick Theato served in the Royal Navy for many years, and following his retirement back to Ireland, sailed on Lough Derg for many more.

He shared a story of his early years in the navy and of an incident at the outset of his career, which secured his respect for the water ever since. He spoke of his love of Lough Derg and its beauty, but added that he was "well aware of its dangers, even for a lifeboat".

Three divers were brought to safety this afternoon after they lost contact with their dive boat and were reported overdue.  The men were brought to safety by volunteer lifeboat crew with Kilmore Quay RNLI.

The divers were over an hour and a half late resurfacing when their dive boat skipper called for help at approximately 1.30pm.  They had been diving at the Conningmore rocks, one mile south of the Saltee Islands in Wexford, when they failed to appear.  Conditions were described as good and the sea state was calm.

The search commenced immediately with Kilmore Quay RNLI being joined by the Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117 from Waterford and two local charter vessels.  The men were quickly spotted by the helicopter crew who in turn alerted the lifeboat to their exact location.

The divers had drifted almost three miles away and had lost contact with the dive boat.  The lifeboat crew recovered the three men onto the lifeboat. The first was taken onboard with a Jason's cradle, a piece of lifeboat equipment used to aid recovery of people from the sea. Then the lifeboat crew lowered the stern ramp and threw out a line to pull in the remaining two divers.  They then made their way back to Kilmore Quay harbour.  The men were in good spirits and did not need any medical assistance.

Commenting on the callout Aidan Bates, a volunteer crewmember with Kilmore Quay RNLI said, "This is a beautiful spot for diving and is very popular with dive groups.  The dive boat skipper did exactly the right thing in reporting the men overdue and happily we were able to recover them safely onto the lifeboat. They were certainly relieved to see us coming and we were delighted to be able to bring everyone home safe."

#RNLI – A lifejacket check that has showed up massive failures at previous annual checks is to be repeated by the RNLI tomorrow at Ireland's biggest boating centre. 

Leisure boat users are being encouraged to have their life-jackets checked in Dun Laoghaire this weekend when a team of RNLI Sea Safety volunteers hold a free life-jacket clinic in preparation for the main boating season.

In a 2010 test from 91 jackets tested in Cork and Dublin, 83 failed the free inspection.

Typical faults that are found even in newer life-jackets include loose gas inflation bottles, missing activators, hidden wear and tear as well as worn straps.  Even when worn, faulty lifejackets have been found to be a cause of death in past incidents.

"Life-jacket care is an essential part of preparing for boating activity of any kind," commented Peter Richardson, RNLI Lifeboat Sea Safety Officer.  "Our life-jacket clinic is also an opportunity to arrange a free Sea-Safety Advice On-board visit from one of our experienced advisors."

The free life-jacket clinic will be held at the entrance to Dun Laoghaire Marina from 11am to 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

Read more: What's the law on lifejacket use in Ireland?