Displaying items by tag: RNLI
Wicklow RNLI Rescues Three Fishermen After Fishing Vessel Develops Mechanical Problems
Three fishermen were rescued by the Wicklow RNLI on Saturday afternoon (10th February) after their 12-metre vessel developed mechanical problems off the Wicklow coast.
The Coast Guard requested the RNLI relief fleet all-weather Shannon lifeboat RNLB Bridie O’Shea at 12.50pm, and a volunteer crew led by Coxswain Tommy McAulay responded immediately. The skipper of the fishing vessel had reported that it was fouled in ropes and drifting south, prompting the rescue mission.
The Wicklow lifeboat reached the fishing vessel just ten minutes after launching. An assessment was carried out, and as the vessel had no propulsion due to the fouled propeller, the only option was to tow it back to Wicklow port.
The Wicklow RNLI crew after returning to port after the incident Photo: Tommy Dover
Coxswain Tommy McAulay said, “We located the vessel about a half mile south of Wicklow Head, conditions in the area were lumpy, with a three-metre swell at times. The tow was slow at first due to the strong tidal flow at Wicklow Head, but we adjusted the course to take the boat further offshore where the tide was not as strong.”
The fishing vessel was secured alongside the South quay at 2.40pm, and the three fishermen were landed safely ashore. This was the first callout of 2024 for the Wicklow lifeboat volunteers, and it comes in the run-up to the RNLI’s 200th birthday on 4 March 2024.
The RNLI reminds everyone to check their engine and fuel before going afloat, always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, and carry a means of calling for help. If you see someone in difficulty on or near the water, dial 999 and ask for the Coast Guard
Historic Ballycotton Portrait Among Photographs Brought to Life in Colour for RNLI’s 200th Birthday
As the RNLI prepares to celebrate its 200th anniversary on 4 March, the charity has brought some of its rich history to life with the release of a stunning collection of colourised images.
From community events to candid snapshots, 11 black-and-white images have been painstakingly cleaned and colourised with folds, scratches and dust removed using digital technology to shine new light on 200 years of saving lives at sea.
The striking images from across Ireland and the UK include courageous lifeboat crews, early fundraising street collections and iconic scenes of close-knit communities coming together to launch and recover lifeboats.
Part of the new collection is a photograph taken of Ballycotton coxswain Patrick Sliney, his wife and their son William at an annual meeting in 1936.
Full-length photograph of Ballycotton coxswain Patrick Sliney, Mrs Sliney and son William at an annual meeting in 1936 | Credit: RNLI
In that same year, the Daunt Rock Lightship came adrift off Ballycotton in horrendous conditions with 12 people onboard. The lifeboat crew spent 49 hours at sea and eventually rescued all those onboard.
Patrick Sliney was awarded the RNLI Gold Medal for Gallantry and the rest of his crew, including his son William, received Bronze Medals.
Also featured in the collection is the most decorated RNLI lifesaver, Henry Blogg, who was born on 6 February 1876. Blogg served for 53 years on Cromer’s lifeboats in Norfolk, England before retiring in 1947, having saved 873 lives and been awarded many honours including three Gold and four Silver RNLI Medals for Gallantry.
The image of Henry, which first appeared in the Lifeboat Journal in 1916, shows him wearing black oilskins and a sou’wester, which preceded the instantly recognisable yellow waterproofs now associated with the RNLI.
Before and after: A portrait of Henry Blogg, the most decorated RNLI lifesaver, who in his 53 years of service helped save 873 people | Credit: RNLI
RNLI heritage and archive research manager Hayley Whiting said: “The carefully coloured images illustrate just a few highlights of the incredible history of lifesaving over the previous two centuries, where over 144,000 lives have been saved to date.
“To see the crew of St Davids lifeboat walking up from the boathouse wearing their traditional red hats, the yellow sou’westers of the children fundraising or the vibrant blue sea off the Isle of Man, the reworked images really do bring a different perspective on some of our archived pictures.
“Each image has been brought to life by our own in-house creative team with hours spent on attention to detail, along with research being undertaken to ensure each one gave a true, lifelike representation.”
Tributes Paid After Sudden Passing of Red Bay Lifeboat Helm Gary Fyfe
Tributes have been paid to Red Bay RNLI helm Gary Fyfe after his sudden death on Thursday night (8 February).
As the Belfast Telegraph reports, the 46-year-old died at the scene of a single-vehicle crash in Cushendall, Co Antrim.
His funeral will take place on Sunday (11 February) with Requiem Mass in St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s Church, Glenariffe at 10am.
Red Bay RNLI said Fyfe was “a giant in our lifeboat station, a natural leader who everyone turned to for advice and guidance”.
It added that this year would have seen Fyfe receive his 30-year service medal, having signed up for the RNLI as a lifeboat volunteer at the age of 17.
Gary Fyfe, as the Operations Manager of Red Bay Boats Ltd, a leading boat builder in Northern Ireland, had a keen interest in marine affairs across Ireland. This included Afloat.ie. He is pictured standing in the bow area of the magazine's Red Bay 7.4m cabin RIB during a recent Afloat trip on a fine day to his beloved Cushendall Harbour Photo: Afloat
His lifeboat colleagues added: “Gary was responsible for saving many lives during his years on the Red Bay lifeboat. He never sought recognition or praise for his rescues but rather carried his achievements lightly and thought only of others.
“In our small but close community in Cushendall, Gary was an anchor for us all and his loss will be felt far and wide. His life and the selfless way he lived it, touched so many people.”
Gary Fyfe is survived by his wife Clare and children Eleanor and Alexander.
Arranmore Lifeboat Responds to Call for Medical Evacuation
Just days after the Arranmore RNLI volunteer crew carried out a marathon rescue of a fishing crew in challenging weather conditions, they were again called out to assist with a medical evacuation from the island at 7pm on Thursday evening (8 February).
Following the third call-out for the crew in as many days, lifeboat coxswain Seán O'Donnell said: “This was a quick call which we were pleased to respond to following our long service on Sunday. We are always ready to answer the call no matter what it is.”
The crew on board on Thursday alongside O’Donnell were mechanic Philip McCauley, Brian Proctor, Seamus Bonner, Sharon O’Donnell, Mickey Dubh McHugh and Seán Sammy Gallagher.
Marathon Mission Sees Arranmore RNLI Bring Fishing Crew to Safety After 26-Hour Rescue
Lifeboat crew from Arranmore RNLI finally got to their beds at 1.20 am this morning (Tuesday, 6 February) after spending over 26 hours at sea to bring a fishing vessel, with five people onboard, to safety.
The Coast Guard requested the Donegal lifeboat to launch on Sunday evening at 10.50pm, after the vessel, which was 48 miles north of Arranmore, reported being in difficulty.
The crew successfully towed a fishing vessel to safety in harsh weather conditions. The vessel was facing swells of up to 5.5 metres and winds of 60kph, making the operation particularly challenging.
After an initial attempt to tow the vessel failed, the lifeboat crew decided to establish a tow themselves. Despite the difficult conditions, a crew member managed to successfully throw a rope onto the deck of the fishing vessel and establish a line.
The Arranmore RNLI crew then towed the fishing vessel back to Rathmullen pier in Donegal, at a speed of 1.2 to 3 knots. Upon arrival, they were met by their colleagues from Lough Swilly RNLI, who provided them with warm food before they continued their journey home.
This was the second callout for the Arranmore RNLI crew over the St. Bridget’s bank holiday weekend. They had earlier launched to carry out a medical evacuation from the island, bringing a casualty to Burtonport where an ambulance met them.
Reflecting on the operation, Arranmore RNLI Coxswain Jimmy Early expressed his gratitude to the crew members who left their homes to help those in need. He highlighted that the conditions were far from ideal, but the crew members' dedication and expertise ensured a successful outcome.
The crew members' commitment to their work is commendable, and their bravery in the face of challenging circumstances is truly inspiring.
Ballycotton RNLI Saves Three Fishermen on Disabled Fishing Vessel
Ballycotton RNLI, a team of volunteer lifeboat crew, rescued three fishermen on board a 12-metre boat that was disabled 23 miles southeast of Ballycotton lighthouse on the County Cork coast. The rescue happened during the early hours of Sunday morning.
The Austin Lidbury, Ballycotton RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat, received a request to launch by Valentia Coast Guard at 6:55 am to attend to the fishing boat. The boat had suffered difficulties and was disabled and adrift.
The lifeboat quickly made its way southeast towards the stricken vessel. Upon arrival to the scene at 8:08 am, the crew confirmed that everyone on board was safe. The crew established a secure tow line and towed the fishing boat at a speed of six knots.
Ballycotton RNLI and the fishing boat arrived safely at Ballycotton at approximately 12:28 pm. Once the fishing boat was secured, Ballycotton's lifeboat was washed down, refuelled, and ready for service again.
The visibility was poor to moderate, with a wind force of 5/6 and two and a half-metre swell. The lifeboat crew was made up of Coxswain Eolan Walsh, deputy mechanic Mike Kenneally, Síle Scanlon as navigator, Claire McCarthy, Cíaran Walsh, Ronan Lynch, and Eolan Breathnach.
Ballycotton RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat crew of Coxswain Eolan Walsh, deputy mechanic Mike Kenneally, Síle Scanlon as navigator, Claire McCarthy, Cíaran Walsh, Ronan Lynch, and Eolan Breathnach
Coxswain Eolan Walsh commented on the call-out, saying, "Thankfully, all three fishermen were wearing life jackets and had called for help as soon as they encountered difficulties. We would advise people to take the correct water safety advice for the activity they are taking part in and to always make sure they have a means of raising the alarm if things go wrong."
The rescue was also a significant milestone for two members of the lifeboat crew. Mike Kenneally, the deputy mechanic, was hailed for his first rescue in his role, and Síle Scanlon was also recognised for her first rescue as a navigator.
The Austin Lidbury, Ballycotton RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat returns to dock post-rescue
Ahead of the first long weekend of 2024, celebrating St Brigid, the Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland have issued a joint water safety appeal asking people to stay safe when in, near or on the water.
The organisations are also reminding the public that water and air temperatures are relatively cold this time of the year and that hypothermia can set in quickly when sea swimming or coastal walking.
Water temperatures are still cold, meaning cold water shock and hypothermia are risks that can affect everyone. To avoid this during swims, people should acclimatise to the water slowly to get used to the cold and warm up quickly upon exiting the water.
The coastguard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland advise everyone intending to take part in any water-based activity or coastal walks to make sure they check in advance what they should do to keep safe.
If heading out on the water or visiting the coast:
- Never mix alcohol with water activities.
- Always check the weather and tides.
- Carry a reliable means of raising the alarm: a VHF radio, personal locator beacon (PLB) or a fully charged mobile phone.
- Tell someone where you are going and what time you will be back.
- Wear a suitable personal flotation device when boating or angling.
- Watch out for incoming tides to avoid getting cut off.
If you are swimming:
- Water temperatures are still cold at this time of the year, so consider wearing a wetsuit to stay warm.
- Acclimatise slowly, wear a bright swimming cap and consider a tow float to increase your visibility.
- Never swim alone and always ensure that your activity is being monitored by a colleague.
Gerard O’Flynn, head of operations with the Irish Coast Guard says: “It is important to plan activities carefully this time of the year given that the weather conditions can be cold and changeable, for guidance on water safety planning, people should consult the Safety on the Water website at Gov.ie.”
Roger Sweeney, Water Safety Ireland’s deputy chief executive says: “Winter storms have damaged many waterside walking routes that were considered familiar and safe but may now be hazardous. Erosion underfoot is not always obvious until it is too late.
“Tell children in your care that to stay SAFE is to Stay Away From Edges. Use walkways that have public rescue equipment such as ringbuoys in bright yellow boxes. Report missing or vandalised ringbuoys at ringbuoys.ie, as a stolen ringbuoy could mean a stolen life.”
Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI regional water safety lead added: “If you find yourself struggling in the water unexpectedly, your instinct will tell you to swim hard. But cold-water shock can make you gasp uncontrollably. Then you can breathe in water and drown. Instead, you should Float to Live.
“The best way to float is to tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Try to relax and breathe normally. You can gently move your hands to help you stay afloat if you need to. Spread your arms and legs out to improve stability — and it's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.”
If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are in trouble, dial 112 or use VHF Channel 16 and ask for the coastguard.
Dun Laoghaire Harbour RNLI Receives €6,300 from Motorcycle Touring Club
Thanks to dedicated fundraising by members of the Dublin Motorcycle Touring Club (DMTC), Dun Laoghaire Harbour RNLI received a generous donation of €6,300 as a result of multiple events undertaken by DMTC members throughout 2023.
Founded in 1971, DMTC is the largest multi-make motorcycle club in Ireland and selected RNLI as its charity for the year.
Michael Donohoe from Dun Laoghaire RNLI’s fundraising branch thanked all those who took part in the fundraising endeavours to raise much-needed funds for the busy Dun Laoghaire lifeboat station on Dublin Bay: ‘Our station operates an all-weather Trent class lifeboat and a D class inshore lifeboat.
The funds raised are an important support for the continuing work of the RNLI and will assist our volunteers with future lifesaving operations. We are delighted to have such strong links to the local community and wish to thank DMTC members for their generous donation.’
The volunteer crew of Arranmore RNLI responded to a call by Malin Head Coast Guard at 6am on Wednesday morning (31 January) to four fishermen on a boat in difficulty at Inis Meain, off the coast of Bunbeg in Co Donegal.
The lifeboat arrived on scene just before 7am and the crew ascertained that the casualty boat, a 12-metre crabber with four crew onboard, had got into difficulty as it was sheltering from the south-westerly winds and went aground on the island.
With winds and gusts of 50-60 miles per hour blowing on shore and swells of four to five metres, the lifeboat coxswain Seán O’Donnell assessed the scene in conjunction with the Irish Coast Guard’s Rescue 118 helicopter crew from Sligo, who were also tasked.
Following the assessment, Rescue 118 airlifted the four crew members and proceeded to Carrickfinn airport where they were landed safely. The lifeboat returned to anchor after refuelling in Burtonport at 9.30am.
Speaking following the call-out, O’Donnell said: “I’m really pleased that all the crew were brought to safety and would like to commend the helicopter crew for their professionalism in the execution of the rescue of the four crew members. It is a privilege to work alongside the coastguard crews from Bunbeg, Malin Head and of course Rescue 118.
“I would also like to thank our own crew onboard the lifeboat for their dedication in answering the call so early on a windy morning.”
The lifeboat crew on this call-out alongside O’Donnell were mechanic Philip McCauley, Reamon O’Donnell, Sharon O’Donnell, Brian Proctor, Finbar Gallagher, Jamie Neeson and Aisling Cox.
Pwllheli Lifeboat Station Closes Over ‘Disharmony’ Between Crew Members
Pwllheli RNLI has closed over “ongoing distrust and disharmony” between crew members at the North Wales lifeboat station.
According to BBC News, a number of key personnel have also resigned from the station, prompting the RNLI to “reset operations”.
“Until we’ve got a safe number of crew and a safe management structure to support that lifeboat station, we’re not able to go back on to service,” said the RNLI’s Wales manager Ryan Jennings.
A statement from the RNLI said its decision to close the Pwllheli station was “not taken lightly but is considered necessary to move forward with an inclusive and sustainable lifeboat station…for many years to come”.
Pwllheli is a regular haunt for Irish sailors taking part in the annual ISORA races.
BBC News has more on the story HERE.
