The community of Inishbofin Island win RNLI supporter award

Tue, 22 May 2012 09:50:00 +0000

Anne Day from Inishbofin receving her award from the Duke of Gloucester at the RNLI Annual Presentation of Award at the Barbican Theatre in London. Photo : RNLI/Jon Stokes

Author: Niamh Stephenson, Divisional Media Relations Manager

The community of Inishbofin Island off the Galway coast were presented with a coveted RNLI award by the Duke of Gloucester in London on Thursday 17 May 2012. The award is in recognition of their long term support for the lifesaving charity. Mrs Ann Day accepted the award from the Duke of Gloucester, on behalf of the people of Inishbofin.

The islanders have supported Clifden RNLI over many years with raffles, events, dinner dances and in more recent times Maritime Balls. These activities have been supported with numerous collection boxes placed in many locations on the island and the annual Church gate collection. Funds raised over the years have exceeded €50,000.

The award was presented during the RNLI’s Annual Presentation of Awards ceremony at the Barbican Centre, London. The ceremony also saw a number of special presentations, chief among them the award of three RNLI Medals for Gallantry – the RNLI’s highest accolade – to volunteer crew members from Dungeness, Exmouth and St Abbs lifeboat stations.

Mrs Ann Day collected the award on behalf of the community of Inishbofin. Speaking at the ceremony she said, “It is a huge honour to receive this award in recognition of the fundraising by the people of Inishbofin in aid of the RNLI. As an island community the sea plays an enormous part in our lives and having the lifeboat closeby is very important to us. We are delighted to support their work by raising funds for saving lives at sea and it is lovely to be recognised for it."

Tony Hiney, RNLI Community Fundraising Manager, who nominated them for the award added: ‘The people of Inishbofin support the RNLI in any way they can, never refusing to help their local lifeboat crews. This is the first year for this award and I am delighted that it is going to a community off the west coast of Ireland. For years the islanders have raised funds for the lifeboats through traditional fundraising and by exploring new and innovative ideas. They are worthy recipients of the award.”

Lough Derg RNLI answers two calls for help to driftin lakeboat and cruiser in difficulty

Mon, 21 May 2012 20:45:00 +0000

Photo : RNLI/Lough Derg

Author: Eleanor Hooker, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer

Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat was launched to investigate a possible missing person/s after a lakeboat was found adrift towards the northern end of the lake. On the return journey, the lifeboat was diverted to Scarriff Bay to assist a person in difficulty on board a 32ft crusier in Scarriff Bay, at the southwestern end of the lake.

At 15.20hrs on Friday May 18, Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat was requested to launch by Valentia Coast Guard, to investigate a possible missing person/s following the discovery of a lakeboat adrift towards the northern end of the lake. (It is the Dapping Season and there are many fishermen and lakeboats afloat at present.) At 14.38hrs, the lifeboat was launched with Helm Eleanor Hooker, Peter Clarke and Gerry O'Neill onboard. Winds were Northerly, Force 2-3, visibility was good.

The lifeboat arrived on scene at 16.04hrs and was met by the fisherman who had discovered the boat adtrift. The crusier Stormy Monday, was near the area, and its skipper, very kindly, offered to remain on standby and assist if required. The found lakeboat had an engine attached, a full fuel tank and a spare tank of fuel on board, there was no fishing tackle or any signs of ownership.

As the lifeboat was commencing a search of the area, they were informed by Valentia Coast Guard, that the owner had been located and that the boat had slipped its moorings. The lakeboat was driven by an RNLI volunteer to Portumna and returned to its owner. 17.15hrs

On its homeward journey, Valentia Coast Guard diverted the RNLI lifeboat to Scarriff Bay, at the southwestern end of the lake, to assist a person in difficulty on board a 32ft cruiser. The wind had veered northeasterly and was blowing Force 4. Visibility was fair to good, with frequent squally showers. The lifeboat was alongside the crusier at 17.34hrs.

There was an elderly person onboard and in some distress; his vessel had hit a rock and suffered considerable damage to its propeller. The person was reassured by the lifeboat crew. The boat wasn't holed and with an RNLI crew member onboard, was towed to its home marina up the Scarriff river. The boat was tied safely alongside at 18.18hrs. The person was met by friends. The lifeboat returned to station and was ready for service again at 19.15hrs.

Courtmacsherry RNLI called out to pleasure boat in difficulties Off Galley head in West Cork

Mon, 21 May 2012 20:40:00 +0000

Courtmacsherry and Ballycotton lifeboats on exercise. Photo : RNLI/Nicholas Leech

Author: Vincent Donovan, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer

The Courtmacsherry RNLI Lifeboat was called out at 2.45pm on Sunday afternoon to go to the aid of a 19ft pleasure boat that had developed mechanical difficulties one mile off the Gally Head in West Cork.

The Trent Class All Weather Lifeboat under Acting Coxswain Kevin Young and a crew of seven were underway in minutes and proceeded towards the area of the Casuality.

Conditions at sea were good and the casuality would be reached in under 50 minutes. There was one person on board the 19 ft boat when it got into trouble and sent out a distress call for help. Another fishing vessel which was fishing nearby also went to assist.

The casualty was taken in tow by the fishing vessel and after an assessment was made on the conditions of the sea, the Courtmacsherry Lifeboat was stood down and returned to base in Courtmacsherry.

The Lifeboat crew on todays callout were Acting Coxswain Kevin Young, in charge of his first rescue since he graduated as a qualified RNLI Coxswain on last Thursday , Mechanic Geroid O Donovan and crew Conor Dullea, Peter Noonan, Simon Locke, Ken Cashman and Dean Hennessey.

Lifeboat called-out to racing yacht with sick crewman aboard

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:35:00 +0000

Courtmacsherry Lifeboat : Photo Alan O'Regan

Author: Vincent O Donovan , Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer

The Courtmacsherry RNLI lifeboat was called out at 10.25pm on Wednesday 16 May 2012 to go to the aid of a 21 foot racing yacht, whicht had encountered electrical and mechanical difficulties, and had a severely sick crewman on board, two miles east off the Galley Head in West Cork.

The yacht with a crew of two had left Plymouth on Sunday as it was taking part in the UK Mini Fastnet race. It had reached the Fastnet Rock late yesterday but one of the two crew had been severely sick over the past two days as they encountered rough waters in the Irish Sea.

As the crewman's condition was not improving and the boat had developed mechanical and electrical problems, a mayday call was sent out for help. The Courtmacsherry lifeboat with a volunteer crew of seven was launched immediately. Under the cover of darkness, the lifeboat located the casuality at 11.30pm and immediately took the sick crewman on board for emergency first aid.

The lifeboat then took the racing yacht in tow and arrived back into Courtmacsherry at 12.50am. The sick crewman was immediately transferred to a HSE emergency ambulance, which was waiting at the Pierhead and they rendered him immediate medical care before transferring him to the Cork University Hospital.

Ballycotton RNLI pay their respects on the passing of Silver Gallantry medal awardee Fergal Walsh

Tue, 15 May 2012 21:25:00 +0000

Fergal Walsh-Ballycotton-RIP Photo : RNLI

Author: Niamh Stephenson, Divisional Media Relations Manager

The lifeboat crew and fundraisers with Ballycotton RNLI have extended their sympathies to the family and loved ones of former lifeboat crewmember and Silver gallantry medal recipient Fergal Walsh. He passed away on Tuesday 14 May 2012.

Fergal received the RNLI Silver Medal in 2002 for saving the life of a young man who had been swept off the rocks on 18 August 2001. He took a line attached to a buoy and swam through heavy surf to reach the young man while lifeboat crewmember Peter Cuthbert held onto the other end. Both Fergal and Peter were injured by the heavy seas breaking onto the rocks but Fergal still recovered the man. Fergal Walsh also received the Maud Smith Award for the bravest act of lifesaving during 2001 and the James Michael Bower Endowment Fund Award as the only Silver Medallist during 2001.

Commenting on his passing Ballycotton RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Tattan said, “We wish to extend the sympathies of everyone involved with Ballycotton RNLI to the family and friends of Fergal. His time spent with Ballycotton RNLI as a crewmember involved him responding to many calls for help from those in trouble at sea. We were very proud of his actions that saw him being awarded an RNLI medal for gallantry, which was a huge honour for the station. May he rest in peace.”

Owen Medland Training Divisional Inspector of Lifeboats added - "The actions of Fergal on that day in 2001 were in the very best traditions of the RNLI and it is with great sorrow that the RNLI family have learnt of his passing. Fergal was a larger than life character who shall be missed by all RNLI Staff and Volunteers alike, the Institution extends its deepest sympathy to the family of this decorated lifeboatman." Fergal’s brother and sister Eolan Walsh and Maire Scanlon are both lifeboat crewmembers with Ballycotton RNLI.

Happy ending as Baltimore RNLI rescue sheep stranded on ledge for two days

Tue, 15 May 2012 21:15:00 +0000

Baltimore Lifeboat crew rescue sheep stranded off cliff ledge. Photo : RNLI/Youen Jacob

Author: Niamh Stephenson, Divisional Media Relations Manager

In one of their more unusual rescues the Baltimore RNLI lifeboat crew launched last night (Monday 14 May 2012) to a sheep that was stranded on a ledge close to sea level for two days.

Several attempts had already been made to recover the sheep when the lifeboat crew were asked if they could offer any assistance. The RNLI inshore lifeboat Bessie was launched with Helm Youen Jacob and lifeboat crew Ronan Callanan and Tadhg Colins, who made their way to Eastern Hole near Baltimore Harbour, to see if they could help in the recovery. Luckily a break in the weather made it possible for two of the lifeboat crew to climb the rocks and recover the animal. It was then transferred to the lifeboat and brought on the short journey back to the harbour.

Commenting on the callout, Baltimore RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Tom Bushe said, “It was certainly not the usual type callout for the lifeboat crew but we were happy to help. Nobody wants to see any animal in distress and we were also worried that people would themselves get into difficulty trying to recover it. The crew waited for a break in the bad weather and then went in and scaled the rocks to recover the sheep. We’ve rescued many people before but a sheep is a little different.”

Busy Bank Holiday for Kinsale RNLI

Fri, 11 May 2012 09:50:00 +0000

Author: Tricia Tyson , Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer

The Bank Holiday proved a busy one for volunteer crew members at Kinsale RNLI lifeboat station. The sunshine encouraged both sailors and swimmers to take to the sea, resulting in three separate launches for RNLI lifeboat, Miss Sally Anne Baggy.

On Friday 4 May, a member of the public reported a swimmer in difficulty on Sandycove Island. Although an experienced swimmer and dressed appropriately in a wetsuit, the person was suffering from the extreme water temperature and unable to complete the swim to the mainland. The lifeboat launched at 5.06pm and was able to recover the swimmer who was brought to the lifeboat station and tended by the volunteer crew members until the doctor arrived to administer medical attention.

The following day, Saturday 5 May, the Coast Guard requested the Kinsale lifeboat attend a fishing vessel where a crew member was reported to be suffering heart problems. The lifeboat launched at 1.10pm, four minutes after receiving the call. Naval vessel LE Emer was also on the scene and able to put a paramedic on board the fishing vessel. He was joined by RNLI volunteer crew member Ian Fitzgerald who assisted the paramedic in treating the stricken crewman. The Kinsale RNLI lifeboat escorted the fishing vessel back to the harbour where an ambulance was waiting to take the man to Cork University Hospital. The town was very congested with crowds attending a major rugby tournament so RNLI volunteer Helm Nick Searls requested the Garda clear a path for the ambulance through the traffic.

Finally, on Tuesday 8 May 2012, RNLI Kinsale lifeboat Miss Sally Anne Baggy, launched at the request of the Coast Guard to assist at an incident at the New Bridge. Other emergency services were in attendance and the incident was resolved without injury.

Speaking after the callouts, RNLI Kinsale Lifeboat Operations Manager John O’ Gorman said: ‘The job of the RNLI is to save lives at sea and we are proud of our fast response time when our services are called upon. Kinsale is a very popular town for sailors and water sport enthusiasts alike, particularly in the summer months. The Kinsale RNLI volunteer crew is on standby 24/7 and members of the public must not hesitate to call us if they need our help. Always ring the Coast Guard on 999 if you need assistance, or if you see anyone in difficulties on the water.’

The RNLI offers a free SEA Check service to all boat users which will help you make sure you have all the right safety equipment on board. Call freefone 1800 789 589 and the RNLI team will be happy to advise you.

Two Successful Rescues by RNLI Bangor Lifeboat

Wed, 09 May 2012 17:30:00 +0000

Photo : RNLI/Bangor

Author: Kevin Baird, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer

Within the past seven days volunteer crew from RNLI Bangor Lifeboat have launched twice to assist crews aboard two stricken vessels.

On Thursday 3rd May at 10.40pm Belfast Coastguard received information from a concerned member of the public that a red flare had been observed north of Groomsport. Volunteer crew quickly assembled and launched RNLI Bangor Lifeboat which proceeded at full speed to the Groomsport area. A search pattern was quickly established, thankfully nothing was found.

It was reported that a number of unused sky lanterns had been found and it’s believed that one of these lanterns could have raised the alarm.

While completing the search crew onboard Bangor Lifeboat received a radio call from Belfast Coastguard. A 35ft commercial fishing vessel with 2 people onboard had experienced engine failure 1½ mile south of Blackhead Lighthouse. Relatively calm sea conditions allowed Bangor Lifeboat to proceed at full speed to the stricken vessel.

Volunteer lifeboat crew rigged a tow line and towed the fishing boat to the safety of Bangor Harbour. On Monday 7th May at 11.30am volunteer RNLI crew were alerted by rescue pager that a 29ft yacht with 1 person onboard had difficulty in ‘making way’ and required assistance. Belfast Coastguard gave the vessels location as 1 nautical miles north of Helens Bay.

Bangor Lifeboat was launched and proceeded at full speed to the stricken vessel. Volunteer lifeboat crew rigged a tow line and towed the yacht to the safety of Bangor Marina.

Peter Scott, RNLI volunteer helmsman at Bangor Lifeboat Station took this opportunity to stress five very important sea safety tips for anyone going afloat. He said. ‘Always wear a lifejacket, secondly check your engine and fuel, thirdly tell others where you are going, fourthly carry some means of calling for help and finally always check the weather and tides’ He added ‘We’re happy that the crews aboard both vessels are now safely ashore’.

Two people rescued by Helvick Head RNLI off Clonea Strand

Tue, 08 May 2012 20:50:00 +0000

Photo : RNLI/Helvick Head

Author: Donal Ó Faolain, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer

Shortly after 3:15pm on Monday 7 May, Helvick Head RNLI lifeboat and Coast Guard helicopter were tasked to the rescue of two swimmers off Clonea Strand, Dungarvan. A young brother and sister were washed out to sea on a body board at Clonea beach, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford on the afternoon of the bank holiday.

They were aged 13 and 15 years of age and had been swimming with a body board when they got into difficulty. Realising the danger, the 15 year old boy swam to shore and raised the alarm.

The father of the boy then swam out to the body board and remained with the 13 year old both clinging to the body board. The Helvick Head RNLI lifeboat, with the assistance of the Coast Guard helicopter, was on scene within minutes of the alarm being raised and they began a search of the area.

A member of the public provided the crew with more information and the victims were soon found. They were showing signs of hypothermia. They were brought to Ballynacourty pier to an awaiting ambulance for treatment.

Helvic Head RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Iain Walsh said “It was gratifying to be of assistance in this case as two lives were in danger and the response of our RNLI Lifeboat crew was both quick and efficient – it’s exactly what they are trained to do.”

RNLI to host free lifejacket Clinic at Bangor Marina

Mon, 07 May 2012 21:55:00 +0000

RNLI Lifejacket Clinic. Photo : Bangor RNLI

On Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th May between 11am and 4 pm the Royal National Lifeboat Institution will be hosting a free Lifejacket Clinic at Bangor Marina.

Anyone owning a lifejacket is invited to bring it along to the clinic and have it checked free of charge for safety.

During last years clinic it was reported that over 102 lifejackets were checked. These checks revealed some astonishing potential life threatening maintenance issues. Of those 102 lifejackets only 3 were considered not to have any potential problems.

Peter Bullick, the volunteer RNLI Sea Safety Officer for Bangor and his dedicated team will be on hand to advise lifejacket owners on what action to take.