Rescue 115 Crew Honoured for Dramatic Fastnet Fishing Vessel Rescue
- Pat Nolan
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Thursday 16 July 2026
Lough Derg RNLI volunteer and Irish Coast Guard Rescue 115 Co-Pilot Paraic Slattery has been recognised alongside his Rescue 115 colleagues for their role in the dramatic rescue of 14 fishermen from the stricken fishing vessel Fastnet off the Kerry coast in December 2025.
The rescue was formally recognised at the Air League's Annual Reception Ceremony, held at the House of Commons in London on 9 July 2026, where Rescue 115 Winch Paramedic James O'Neill was presented with the prestigious 2026 Billy Deacon Search and Rescue Memorial Trophy and an inscribed Breitling watch by RNLI Chief Executive Peter Sparkes. Fellow Rescue 115 crew members Captain Robert Goodbody, Co-Pilot Paraic Slattery and Winch Operator Eamonn O'Broin attended the ceremony.
The award recognises outstanding courage, leadership and professionalism during the rescue of the 14 crew members from the 350-tonne fishing vessel Fastnet.
Engine failure leads to life-threatening situation
On 14 December 2025, Fastnet suffered engine failure shortly after departing Dingle Harbour, Co Kerry. In near gale-force winds and a heavy Atlantic swell, the vessel drifted onto rocks at Bínn Bán beneath the cliffs near the harbour entrance.
With the vessel in danger of capsizing or breaking apart in the pounding seas, Valentia Coast Guard coordinated a major multi-agency rescue involving Valentia RNLI's all-weather lifeboat, Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue Helicopter Rescue 115 from Shannon, Dingle Coast Guard land units, the Irish Navy and local fishing vessels.
Given the vessel's hazardous position on rocks in shallow water, rescue by sea was not possible, leaving an aerial winching operation as the only viable option.
High-risk helicopter winching operation
Captain Robert Goodbody, Co-Pilot Paraic Slattery, Winch Operator Eamonn O'Broin and Winch Paramedic James O'Neill prepared for a demanding rescue in extremely challenging conditions.
Describing the operation, Awards Secretary Nicholas Horst MBE said:
"With great skill and precision by Winch Operator Eamonn O'Broin, James was placed aboard. Once on board, James was exposed to the full force of the conditions and had to cope with numerous hazards on the tilting and moving deck. He managed to locate the 14 crew who were sheltering in the wheelhouse."
Working under intense pressure, O'Neill briefed the fishermen, organised the evacuation sequence and coordinated their recovery, with casualties winched to the helicopter two at a time despite the unstable and constantly shifting deck.
The operation lasted approximately 50 minutes, with Rescue 115 transferring all 14 fishermen to a prepared cliff-top landing site in two sorties. O'Neill remained aboard until every casualty had been safely evacuated before becoming the final person winched to the helicopter.
Throughout the rescue, Winch Operator Eamonn O'Broin played a critical role by assessing each casualty and ensuring they were securely attached before every lift.
Recognition for exceptional teamwork
George Rawlinson MBE, Chair of the Award Committee and former RNLI Operations and Safety Director, praised the professionalism of the Rescue 115 crew.
"This incredibly demanding rescue was completed with a calm professionalism, despite considerable personal risk to James.
"James showed magnificent leadership skills in organising the 14 crew for evacuation, prioritising their safety at considerable risk to himself. His courage in the face of adversity had a direct bearing on the successful outcome.
"Immense credit too, to Winch Operator Eamonn O'Broin for his focus and skill throughout this long winching operation. Also, to the flight crew of Captain Robert Goodbody and Co-Pilot Paraic Slattery who managed the safe operation of the aircraft throughout, keeping the helicopter positioned above Fastnet while she pitched dramatically in the swell and ensuring the casualties were safely transported to land.
"This service was a multi-agency response and exemplified good leadership, teamwork and communication in a very demanding situation and sums up the commitment of those involved to save life at considerable risk to themselves.
"Deserved additional recognition should go to the expert coordination of the service by Valentia Coast Guard, together with the considerable contributions from Valentia RNLI Lifeboat and the Dingle Coast Guard Rescue Team."
The award recognises not only the outstanding actions of James O'Neill but also the professionalism and teamwork of the entire Rescue 115 crew and all agencies involved in bringing the 14 fishermen safely ashore from one of the most challenging maritime rescues of 2025.
