Three Wicklow RNLI lifeboat crew members receive charity's Letter of Thanks

Friday 27 June 2025

Three Wicklow RNLI volunteer crew members have received official Letters of Thanks from RNLI Chief Executive Peter Sparkes following their actions which resulted in five lives being saved.

3 crewmembers recieving their letters. Photo Credit: RNLI/Tommy Dover

Peter Sparkes visited Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat Station last Friday (20 June). As well as meeting all the volunteer members from both the afloat crew and fundraising team, he presented Alan Goucher, Peter Byrne and John Stapleton with a letter of thanks for their actions on the 25 June 2023.

On that day, a 25ft yacht with five people onboard began to sink. While the weather had been good, thunderstorms developed in the area. Following the request to launch from the Irish Coast Guard, the inshore lifeboat was put to sea helmed by Alan and with Peter and John onboard.

Once on scene, the crew observed the yacht almost fully submerged with all five casualties in the water, one of which was stuck and in danger of being dragged under water. Alan instructed Peter to enter the water and free the casualty while Alan and John transferred the four other casualties onto the lifeboat.

In worsening conditions, Peter managed to cut the casualty free from the ropes they were caught in and brought them onto the lifeboat where they were then brought safely ashore to be checked over by the emergency services.

Speaking after the presentation, Tommy Dover, Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘It is testament to the ongoing training that this challenging rescue had such a positive outcome. We here in Wicklow RNLI extend our heartfelt congratulations to our fellow volunteer and thank Peter Sparkes for presenting these letters to the crew members’.