#HowthRNLI - Howth locals Jennifer Murphy and Brendan Mulligan will be taking part in the London to Paris Bike Ride in aid of Howth RNLI.

The 377km charity challenge will take place between 23 and 26 August. Riders will depart from London and cycle past Hampton Court and through the North and South Downs to Portsmouth.

After crossing the English Channel on a ferry they will arrive in France at Caen and travel through the French countryside to Evreux. On the final day, all the cyclists will head to their final destination of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
 


Murphy said: "We decided to do the challenge for Howth RNLI because it is a local charity. We know some of the volunteer crew, including my boss!"

The duo are collecting sponsorships at their MyCharity.ie page HERE.  
 


And according to Howth RNLI's Rise Michael, the funds they raise will ensure the north Dublin volunteer lifeboat crews can go to sea with the best equipment available, preserving their safety when saving lives at sea.

Meanwhile, Howth RNLI is hosting a 'boat jumble' sale at Howth Sea Angling Club from 10.30am to 1pm on Saturday 13 April.

All are welcome to bring along boat gear, fishing gear, dinghies, wetsuits, sails, books and any other nautical-related items.

Tables cost €20 each, with 25% of sales donated to the RNLI. Alternatively, items can be donated to ‘The Bosun’s Locker’ with all sale proceeds going to the RNLI.

The RNLI Sea Safety Team will be on hand to check lifejacket safety and give advice, and RNLI souvenirs will also be available. For more details contact Barbara Sargent on 01 832 5392 or Rose Michael on 087 255 2726.

Michael adds that the funds raised by the jumble sale will go towards Howth RNLI's current fundraising project to fund the running and maintenance costs of the lifeboat station for a week.

#rnli – Lifeboat crew with Fenit RNLI and three local families worked together last night (Tuesday 26 March) to save the life of a stranded dolphin in the Kerry town. The mammal was running out of time after he was washed up into a deserted channel on a remote beach on Fenit Island and was not able to return to the water.

In a rescue operation that involved members of the Egan, Tobin and McCarthy families, three RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew, an inshore lifeboat and a jeep, the dolphin was given a fighting chance and was safely deposited by the lifeboat crew out in deep water.

The drama began when local woman Breda McCarthy was out walking her dog on Fenit Island when she came upon the stranded dolphin.  It was lying in a small channel quite a few metres from the sea. It is believed the dolphin had swam in at high tide a few hours earlier and had got cut off from the sea.  Mrs McCarty contacted family members who came down to see if they could return the dolphin to the water.  Unfortunately this was not possible as the mammal kept to the shallow waters and would not return to the sea.

With their concern growing the families contacted Ger O'Donnell, Fenit RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager to see if the RNLI could assist them.  Ger in turn made contact with Valentia Coast Guard who put him in contact with a dolphin expert.  After discussing the situation with the expert it was decided that the best course of action for providing a safe outcome would be to transport the dolphin down to the harbour and then transport it by RNLI lifeboat out to sea to be released.

The dolphin was carefully wrapped up and transported by jeep to the harbour where RNLI lifeboat crew were already waiting in the inshore lifeboat to launch.  They took the dolphin onboard the lifeboat and proceeded immediately out to sea.  On releasing the dolphin into the water the lifeboat crew watched as the mammal slowly started to swim around the lifeboat in ever increasing circles, gaining confidence as it went.  Once they were satisfied the dolphin was able to safely swim away, the lifeboat crew returned to shore.

Commenting on the unusual callout Fenit RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Ger O'Donnell said, "This was not your run of the mill rescue for the lifeboat crew.  We were very anxious that we did everything right and gave the poor thing the best chance of survival.  I want to thank everyone involved.  It was a real community effort, from the local families, the RNLI crew and the Coast Guard, who were able to put us in touch with the expert advice we needed.  It was almost as if the dolphin knew we were working to save him and I sincerely hope that he made it and we can count him as another life saved."

Local woman Mary Tobin, whose son Michael captured some photos of the incident said, "It was great to see everyone working together.  I can't thank them enough, we were so worried the poor creature was not going to make it. When my sister Breda found him it was clear that he was in a bad way and his breathing was very laboured. We knew that with the RNLI on our doorstep that we would have a good shot at a successful outcome.

#rnli – With the recent downpours, the RNLI is calling on people to put their wellies to good use and support their forthcoming MAYDAY appeal.  The charity that saves lives at sea is asking the public to hold a welly themed fundraising event or buy a special yellow welly RNLI MAYDAY key-ring to raise funds for the lifeboat service in Ireland. The RNLI MAYDAY appeal is supported by John West.

The yellow welly is an essential piece of the RNLI volunteer lifeboat crewmember's kit.  Waterproof with steel-capped toes, the specially designed boots keep the volunteer crew's feet warm and dry while also protecting them in dangerous conditions on deck. During gale force winds, rain and ice, keeping a sure footing can literally mean the difference between life and death for our volunteers. A pair of yellow wellies for a volunteer costs €50 but supporting the RNLI's MAYDAY appeal and buying a yellow welly key-ring will cost just €2.

RNLI MAYDAY is set to run from the first to the sixth of May with yellow welly key-rings being sold by volunteers in many shopping centres and towns around Ireland.  Companies can also request a box of the MAYDAY key-rings to sell in their work place or hold their own welly fundraiser.

RNLI Corporate Manager Rhona O'Connor said, "We are asking people to give it some welly and get behind RNLI MAYDAY.  Wellies are something that we are all too familiar with recently.  Whether it's for getting around in bad weather or attending festivals and outdoor gigs, we love our wellies.  The RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew love their wellies too and want people to help them raise funds.  So whether it's a wear your wellies to work fundraiser or simply buying a yellow welly MAYDAY key-ring we hope people will give it some welly for the charity which has been saving lives since 1824."

Supporting MAYDAY Dun Laoghaire RNLI volunteer crewmember Rob Landers commented, "We are delighted to be associated with the RNLI MAYDAY appeal. As a volunteer crewmember I benefit directly from the training and the equipment that the charity provides for its lifeboat crew.  We rely on the support and the generosity of the public to ensure the lifeboat crews based around Ireland can continue to save lives at sea and on inland waters."

The RNLI MAYDAY appeal is proudly supported by John West who themselves have a long seagoing tradition. Since 1857 the company has had their own fleet of fishing boats. John West Chief Executive Brendan Murphy added, "At John West we know first-hand the reality of the power of the sea, and we fully appreciate and support the work that the RNLI do in saving lives everyday throughout Ireland."

Last year RNLI lifeboats in Ireland launched 939 times to bring 1,041 people to safety.  Volunteer lifeboat crew answer all types of maydays. It was a busy few days for the RNLI around the country with Wicklow RNLI launched last Friday in gale force conditions to bring a French fishing vessel with four people onboard to safety.  While yesterday (Monday 25 March) Howth RNLI launched their inshore lifeboat when a father and daughter became stranded on the East pier due to high waves.  The pair were taken onboard the lifeboat after a crewmember walked them to safety, through breaking waves, from the alcove where they were sheltering.  In Cork Ballycotton RNLI launched to rescue a lone sailor in difficulty.  On arrival at the scene, lifeboat crew boarded the vessel and took the man onboard.  The decision was made to have him airlifted by the Irish Coast Guard helicopter from Waterford and taken to hospital for treatment.

Events already planned for RNLI MAYDAY include a welly walk down Dun Laoghaire pier in Dublin on Sunday 5 May, an open water swim in Dunmore East, Waterford and the Sherkin Island to Baltimore sea swim in west Cork, also on the Sunday. For a list of scheduled events, fundraising ideas and to register an event visit: www.rnli.org/MAYDAY or call: 01895 1837

#rnli – A father and daughter had to be rescued early this morning by Howth RNLI off the East Pier, after they became stranded and were forced to take shelter from breaking waves. The two were out walking on the pier at high tide when they realised they could not safely continue.  The dangerously surging sea had resulted in waves crashing over the pier and into the harbour and the area was unsafe to walk in.

Howth RNLI's inshore lifeboat launched and went to the aid of the two stranded casualties. A volunteer lifeboat crew member got on to the pier and walked them through the crashing water and into the safety of the lifeboat. Both were brought to the Lifeboat station and were checked over by paramedics. There was no serious injury but the pair were extremely cold and wet; neither needed treatment.

Howth RNLI inshore lifeboat helm Fred Connolly said 'they were lucky to have taken shelter as they would have most definitely have been washed into the sea while trying to make their back. We would urge caution when people are out walking near exposed areas such as piers or cliffs as the waves can be quite high and powerful'

#rnli – Mine Head Coast Guard received a call for assistance at 3:30am this morning from a lone sailor on passage from the UK.
Ballycotton lifeboat launched at 3:45am and proceeded to the known position of the 6.5 metre vessel, which was approx. 38 miles east south east of Ballycotton off the East Cork coast.
The yacht was still under steam and the RNLI lifeboat reached the vessel at 5:25am.
Two crew members were placed aboard the yacht and the yachtsman was transferred to the Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat where his condition was assessed.
It was decided to have the casualty air lifted and the Waterford based Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 117, has been requested to launch.

The helicopter was expected to reach the Ballycotton lifeboat at approx. 07:00am.

Update at 0740

The helicopter rendezvoused with Ballycotton lifeboat at 06:50am, approx. 25 miles off Ballycotton. The casualty was air lifted to Waterford airport where an ambulance has been requested for 07:30am. The yacht is sailing under its own steam, with two lifeboat crew members aboard and the Ballycotton lifeboat accompanying it.

#boatjumble – Portrush Boatowners Association is eagerly looking forward to the annual boat jumble at Portrush Harbour on Saturday 30th March 2013.

The boat jumble which is usually held in October was rescheduled to Easter Saturday, so that visitors to Portrush could enjoy the event, which combines a gathering of the local boatowners raising funds for charity and a bit of banter and craic. The Charities benefitting this year are Chest Heart and Stroke and Portrush Lifeboat Station.

The jumble takes place on the North Pier and consists of stalls and car boots selling all things nautical and maybe not so nautical. It gives boatowners a chance to buy boating paraphanalia as well as maybe the odd boat up for grabs.
The local Coastguard will be on hand to give Sea Safety advice and the Portrush Lifeboat will hopefully be alongside side with her crew, which offers an excellent opportunity to have a tour of the lifeboat and ask the crew questions about how she works.

Also this year the Association have asked local men Andy McClelland and John Lynn to come along with their boats.

John is planning to sail solo from Islay to Portrush in his laser dinghy retracing the steps of his late father Robert who made the same journey on a windsurfer. John will also be raising funds for Portrush Lifeboat Station.

Local Lifeboat crew member and Junior World Kayaking Champion Andy McClelland wil be kayaking 22 miles across the Irish Sea in May in aid of kidney research, Alzheimers Society and the regional respiratory Belfast City Hospital.

There will be an opportunity to talk to both John and Andy about their plans.

Charlie Grossie Chair of the Portrush Boatowners Association commented:-

'"The Association is yet again proud to be able run the Boat Jumble in support of the RNLI and the NI Chest Heart and Stroke charities. We are hoping for good weather and good turn on the day. We look forward to being able to make a healthy donation in support of both charities".

The Boat Jumble starts at 10am to 3pm on 30th March 2013. Stalls/Cars caost £25 and entry fee is £3 for adults, children get in free.

#rnli – A joint training exercise between the RNLI lifeboats at Dun Laoghaire, an Irish Air Corps helicopter from Baldonnel and the Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard Unit will take place this afternoon on Dublin Bay from 2.30pm for approximately two hours.

#WaterSafety - RNLI lifeguards will provide Easter cover for the first time on three of the most popular family beaches in Northern Ireland.

For the second year running, lifeguards will be patrolling Tyrella Beach in Co Down, and for the third year will be ready to offer safety advice and assistance on Benone Strand on the north coast.



In addition this Easter, lifeguards will also be patrolling Portstewart Strand, Portrush East Strand and Whiterocks beach, all of which are located along the Causeway Coast.



The cover commences on Good Friday 29 March and will run throughout Easter week until Sunday 7 April.



Despite the unseasonal weather, the charity’s highly trained lifeguards will be ready to assist visitors who brave the elements and take a trip to the seaside over the Easter break. 



The lifeguards will operate on Benone, Portstewart, East Strand and Whiterocks from 11am to 7pm, and from 10am to 6pm on Tyrella Beach.



RNLI regional lifeguard manager Mike Grocott said: "Our highly trained lifeguards spot potential dangers before they develop, and are on hand to give appropriate safety advice and respond immediately if anyone gets into difficulty.

"Because our lifeguards work closely alongside our volunteer lifeboat crews, it means the RNLI offers beachgoers and water-users a seamless rescue service from beach to open sea."

The RNLI started providing lifeguard cover on Northern Ireland beaches in 2011, working with Coleraine Borough Council, Limavady Borough Council and the National Trust - and going into its third season now has lifeguards on 10 beaches.



Last year, lifeguards in the areas of Newry and Mourne District Council, Down District Council and the Causeway Coast together responded to 158 incidents and assisted 176 people.



Speaking ahead of the Easter holidays, RNLI lifeguard supervisor Tim Doran encouraged anyone planning a trip to the beach to keep safe.

"Always swim at a lifeguarded beach. Never use inflatables in strong winds or rough seas and check tide times before you go," he said. "If you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help and if you see someone else in trouble, tell a lifeguard. If you can’t see a lifeguard, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard."



The RNLI is also encouraging anyone planning a trip to the seaside this year to download its ‘Beach Finder’ mobile app.

The handy app makes it easy to find the nearest lifeguarded beach, and gives users a wealth of beach safety information at their fingertips.



Real-time weather information and a five-day forecast for each location is also included with the app – ideal for anyone wondering whether they’ll need to pack their suncream or waterproofs!



The app is available to download free of charge on both Android and iOS devices from www.rnli.org/beach.

#rnli – Wicklow RNLI has rescued four fishermen from a 26m French fishing trawler which got into difficulty in the early hours of this morning (Friday 22 March).

The volunteer lifeboat crew responded rapidly and in severe weather conditions when requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard at 3.15am.

The Mayday call was to go to the aid of a 120 tonne French fishing trawler, the Bara An Aod, which had suffered engine failure two and a half miles east off Wicklow Head.

The four crew members aboard the French boat had been on a delivery passage from France to Ireland when the vessel got into trouble.

Weather conditions at the time were blowing a strong south easterly force nine gale with torrential rain and a three to four metre breaking swell.

Arriving on scene at 3.55am on what was its first call out of the year, the all-weather lifeboat the Annie Blaker, and her crew under Coxswain Nick Keogh, located the trawler and proceeded to establish a towline.

The stricken vessel was subsequently towed safely back to Wicklow Harbour by the lifeboat where it arrived at 5am.

Speaking after the call out, Tommy Dover, Wicklow RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer commended the efforts of an experienced lifeboat crew who he said was met with challenging weather conditions in the dark hours of the morning: 'The crew responded very quickly to the Mayday call and had the lifeboat launched within 10 minutes of being alerted. It was such a bad night but the experienced crew confident in the lifeboat's ability to meet the conditions, skilfully responded and were thankful and delighted to be able to assist the four crew members and their vessel safely to shore this morning.'

The lifeboat crew on this call out included Coxswain Nick Keogh, mechanic Brendan Copeland, Ciaran Doyle, Tom McAuley, John Vize, Connie O'Gara and Graham Fitzgerald.

#RNLI - Kilrush RNLI launched twice on Tuesday 19 March to a reported flare or red smoke sighted off the coast on the River Shannon.

On both launches at 12.15pm and later at 9.27pm, both crews quickly assembled and set off to the locations along the river outlined by Valentia Coast Guard. 



On the first callout, the volunteer lifeboat crew searched from Querrin Point to Cappa village following accounts from the public that a small aircraft had been seen aflame while on approach.

Shannon helicopter and crews from the Kilkee and Mallow coastguard who were involved with another incident in Ballybunnion, crossed the waters and joined in the search.



After two-and-a-half hours the search was stood down as the Aviation Department stated there were no aircrafts in the region. The conclusion thus far is that the object seen was a meteorite burning up in the atmosphere. 



Shortly before 9.30pm, the inshore crew was paged again by Valentia Coast Guard to launch in response to members of the public who saw flares in the Kilrush area. 

The lifeboat launched and after an hour was stood down as there was no evidence along the shore from Cappa to the Moneypoint area. The unit of the Kilkee Coast Guard also carried out an intense shore search.


Kilrush RNLI helm and volunteer lifeboat press officer Pauline Dunleavy praised the members of the public who put these calls into action, even though in this case they turned out to be false alarms.

"We would urge anyone who does see anything suspicious out on the water to dial 999 without delay," she said. "It could be the reason a life was saved."