Lough Ree RNLI volunteers were on the water to four boats in difficulty on the lake within the span of seven days.

Just before 4pm on Sunday (2 June) Lough Ree RNLI was requested by the Irish Coast Guard to go to the assistance of a cruiser which was in difficulty and taking on water at Quaker Island, off the Longford shore.

In very good weather conditions, the inshore lifeboat launched under volunteer helm Kieran Sloyan and crew Liam Sheringham, Stewart McMickan and Amy O’Connor.

Upon reaching the scene at the northern end of the lake at 4.35pm, the crew examined the stricken vessel and despite pumping water off the boat, the problem persisted.

In the interest of safety, it was decided to take the boat under tow to the safety of a boatyard in Lanesborough.

While on this call-out, the lifeboat crew were advised of another craft with four people on board stranded north on Beam Island at the southern end of Lough Ree.

On arrival at the scene, the volunteer crew found that a passing private boat had assisted and the lifeboat remained on standby while the grounded cruiser got to safer water.

On Friday afternoon (31 May), Lough Ree RNLI was called to assist two people on board a boat which had run aground on Green Island.

Under helm Sloyan and a volunteer crew consisting of Ruth Costello, her brother Billy Henshaw Jr and Patrick Walsh, the lifeboat launched at 2.35pm and reached the scene 15 minutes later to find both people on board safe and well.

Following an inspection of the boat and an assessment of the scene, the boat was safely recovered from the rocks and continued under its own power.

Earlier last week, on Tuesday (28 May) Lough Ree RNLI assisted two people on board a cruiser which had ruin aground at Fat Island.

On assessment of the scene, volunteer helm Liam Sheringham along with fellow crew Patrick Walsh and Billy Henshaw Jr decided to evacuate the boat, take the two casualties on board the lifeboat Tara Scougall and transfer them to the lifeboat station at Coosan Point. The stricken boat was anchored and secured.

An interesting aspect of the weekend call-outs was that two new female crew, Ruth Costello and Amy O’Connor, both were on their first ‘shouts’ as crew members.

Lough Ree RNLI volunteer lifeboat operations manager Kevin Ganly said: “It is brilliant to see new crew members, especially women, taking their place on the lifeboat and making such an important contribution to our community. We look forward to having many more join them in the next 12 months.”

In a joint operation, Rosslare Harbour and Kilmore Quay RNLI in Co Wexford came to the aid of a lone sailor early on Tuesday morning (4 June) after an 8.5m yacht got into difficulty.

The volunteer crews were requested to launch their all-weather lifeboats by the Irish Coast Guard following a report from the sailor that their yacht had developed engine failure.

Rosslare Harbour’s all-weather lifeboat was launched at 7.20am under coxswain Eamonn O’Rourke and with six crew members onboard, and the crew made their way to the scene one mile south-east of Carnsore Point.

Arriving on scene, the crew assessed the situation and with the vessel found to be without power and drifting, it was decided to establish a tow in order to bring the sailor to safety.

The yacht was then towed towards the nearest safe port at Kilmore Quay, where the Kilmore Quay lifeboat crew took charge and towed the yacht to safety at 9.55am.

Speaking following the call-out, Jamie Ryan, Rosslare Harbour RNLI’s lifeboat operations manager said: “We would like to commend the sailor for raising the alarm when they knew they were in difficulty. That is always the right thing to do and we wish them well.

“We also want to thank our colleagues from Kilmore Quay who completed the call-out and brought the sailor safely to shore. This was a good example of an effective joint operation with our flanking lifeboat station.

“As we approach the summer months, we encourage anyone planning a trip or activity at sea to always go prepared. Check weather and tides before venturing out, carry the right equipment for a safe journey including a means of communication. Always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat launched on Sunday evening (2 June) at the request of Belfast Coastguard to assess an eight-metre vessel with four people on board which had lost steering south of Crom Castle.

Winds were north-westerly Force 2 and visibility was excellent when the lifeboat volunteers set out shortly after 8pm and proceeded to the casualty vessel’s last known location.

On arrival, they found the vessel’s owner using its engine to avoid grounding. They assessed the wellbeing of the casualties on board and found them to be safe and well.

Upon assessing the vessel, the lifeboat crew found that it had lost all means of steering which rendered it from being able to proceed.

The lifeboat helm deemed the safest option would be to set up a tow and bring the casualty vessel back to the safest public jetty at Carrybridge, to remove it from the navigation channel and avoid it running aground.

One crew member from the lifeboat was placed on board the casualty vessel to assist, and the casualties were handed over to the Lough Erne Coastguard team at Derryad jetty.

Less than 24 hours previously, at 11.04pm on Saturday night (1 June), Carrybridge RNLI was requested to launch for a search following a potential sighting of a red distress flare.

A member of the public reported what they believed to be a flare some two miles south-east of Carrybridge. The lifeboat crew searched the water and the shoreline in this area but found nothing. The coastguard called off the search at 11.55pm and the crew returned to station.

Stephen Scott, lifeboat operations manager at Carrybridge RNLI advised all boat users: “Before setting out on your journey please plan your route taking note of your location as you travel. Have a means of calling for assistance, have lifejackets for all on board and plan your journey using the relevant charts.

“As more people start to enjoy the waterways, if you see a red distress flare, see someone in trouble on the water or are in difficulties yourself the number to dial is: 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

On Saturday afternoon (1 June), Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to launch to locate, assess and escort to safe harbour a vessel that a member of the public reported had made contact with rocks at Ryan’s Point.

Lough Derg’s inshore lifeboat Jean Spier launched at At 13.41pm with helm Owen Cavanagh, crew Joe O’Donoghue and Deirdre Gleeson on board. Conditions had a north-westerly Force 2 to 3 wind and good visibility.

A description of the craft, which was en route to Dromineer Harbour, was passed to the lifeboat, which made a quick sweep of the public harbour but did not see a vessel that fitted the description given.

The lifeboat made way to Ryan’s Point but there was no vessel at that location. The RNLI volunteers spoke to the skipper of a vessel at anchor in the centre of the bay, but they had not seen a vessel in distress.

After returning to the public harbour, the lifeboat crew located a motor boat that fitted the description supplied to Valentia Coast Guard. The vessel had recently passed Ryan’s Point but, according to the skipper, had not made contact with rocks and was not in need of assistance.

The lifeboat reported its findings to Valentia Coast Guard, departed the scene and was back at station at 2.18pm.

Christine O’Malley, lifeboat operations manager at Lough Derg RNLI advises boat users to “observe the navigation marks and be aware that there are sudden shallows and rocky shoals close to the shore”.

Youghal RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew were requested to launch at 2.48pm on Friday afternoon (31 May) to reports of two children on an inflatable toy craft that was blown out to sea off the Strand beach in East Cork.

The Irish Coast Guard’s Waterford-based helicopter Rescue 117 were also in attendance and had located the casualties in the water a mile offshore.

Once on scene, the volunteer lifeboat crew assessed the situation and noticed that it was two adults on an inflatable toy that was being blown out to sea due to a strong offshore breeze.

The lifeboat crew helped the two people onboard the lifeboat and they were brought ashore at the front strand, into the care of Youghal Coast Guard who were awaiting their arrival.

While the lifeboat crew making their way back to station, a second request came in from the Irish Coast Guard to reports of a kayaker being blown out to sea off Caliso Bay, some two miles south of Whiting Bay.

The weather had a calm sea state but with a strong offshore breeze. The lifeboat crew located the owner and their kayak and assisted them back to Whiting Bay Beach.

Youghal lifeboat operations manager John Hearne said: “When there is a strong offshore wind, you can quickly find yourself a long way from the shore and it can be extremely difficult to get back and you can quickly find yourself in danger.

“We want to remind the importance to always tell someone if you are entering the water and to carry a means of communication.”

The Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and RNLI have issued joint advice to help keep people safe at Ireland’s waterways over this June Bank Holiday weekend.

Water-based activities increase at this time of year, as do the number of incidents in which people get into difficulty.

But everyone can minimise the risks with the following advice for a safe enjoyable bank holiday weekend:

• Check the forecast for your local area, including tide times and sea conditions for coastal activities.
• Always carry a means of calling for help and keep it within reach.
• Water temperatures are still cold. Acclimatise by getting in slowly, swim within your depth and avoid staying in the water for extended periods. Swimmers should be aware of rip currents and if caught in one should swim parallel to shore and then back to land.
• Swim with others — never alone — in recognised, traditionally safe bathing areas. Lifeguarded waterways are listed at watersafety.ie.
• Supervise children at all times near water and never use inflatable toys in open water as currents and breezes can cause persons to be swept out to sea, endangering those onboard or others trying to assist.
• If you find yourself struggling in the water unexpectedly remember 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. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.
• Stranding is a risk when low tides expose areas of the coastline for walkers to explore sandbanks. Watch out for incoming tides, local signage, and always carry a fully charged mobile phone.
• Wear a personal flotation device when paddle boarding, kayaking or boating, or when angling from shore.
• Avoid alcohol as it impairs judgement, balance and coordination — all essential for swimming and boating and avoiding hazards in the water.

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast or if you suspect that they are in trouble, dial 112 or use Marine VHF Channel 16 and ask for the coastguard.

Courtmacsherry RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat Val Adnams was called out by Valentia Coast Guard Marine Rescue Co-Ordination Centre at 11.35am on Thursday morning (30 May) to go to the immediate aid of a 26ft fishing/pleasure boat which had got into difficulties off Clonakilty Bay.

The lifeboat, under coxswain Tadgh McCarthy and a volunteer crew of five, launched quickly and was away from its moorings at 11.45am. Conditions at sea were poor with winds blowing Force 5 and gusts up to 50km reported.

The casualty was located at 12.10pm, some 2km off the Inchydoney Island headland. As the winds were strong and a danger posed by strong running tides, it was decided to take the casualty vessel in tow.

When in calmer waters, two members of the lifeboat crew were put onboard the fishing vessel to assist the skipper.

The lifeboat arrived back to the safe surrounds of Courtmacsherry Pier at 2.45pm and the lone skipper was delighted to be in safe territory again.

Courtmacsherry RNLI’s volunteer crew with the all-weather lifeboat Val Adnams | Credit: RNLI/Courtmacsherry

Vincent O’Donovan, Courtmacsherry RNLI launch authority and lifeboat press officer said: “Thankfully the casualty this morning sought help quickly by contacting Bandon gardaí when he got into difficulties.

“The winds at sea were strong today so it was important to dial 999 or 112 and we encourage people to seek help if they need it and hope that all users of the coastline stay safe on this coming June Bank Holiday weekend with fine weather forecasted.”

The lifeboat crew on Thursday morning’s call-out were coxswain Tadgh McCarthy, mechanic Stuart Russell and crew members Kieran Boyle, Chris Guy, Dave Philips and Dean Hennessey.

For crew member Chris Guy, who recently received his 30-year Long Service Award, it’s been an eventful month as this time last week he was one of the West Cork lifeboat station’s representatives at the 200th anniversary garden party in Buckingham Palace. Afloat.ie has more on the event HERE.

Lough Derg RNLI’s volunteers were requested to launch on Wednesday evening (29 May) to assist three people on a 26ft cruiser with engine failure and at anchor in Youghal Bay, east of Garrykennedy Harbour.

At 5.34pm the inshore lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Dom Sharkey and crew Eleanor Hooker, Chris Parker and Joe O’Donoghue on board. Conditions had a north-westerly Force 3 to 4 wind with good visibility.

Within minutes the lifeboat crew located the casualty vessel at the location given. The casualty vessel’s anchor was holding.

An RNLI volunteer boarded the vessel and determined all on board were safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets.

Given the location, the deteriorating weather conditions and the casualty vessel’s proximity to the safest close harbour of Garrykennedy, the helm made the decision to take the casualty vessel under an astern tow to the harbour, where it was safely tied alongside shortly after 6pm.

Aoife Kennedy, launching authority at Lough Derg RNLI advises boat users to “carry sufficient fuel for your journey, and if you find yourself in difficulty, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard”.

This was the second launch in as many days for Lough Derg RNLI, whose volunteers answered the call just before 7pm on Tuesday evening (28 May) to assist six people on a 31ft cruiser with engine failure on the western shore of the lough between Williamstown and Drummaan.

Given the isolated location, the hour and that there were seniors and infants on board, the helm made the decision to take the casualty vessel under tow back to Dromineer, where the casualties had their car and a means to get home.

Aoife Kennedy emphasises to boat users to “ensure your vessel is serviced before undertaking a journey. Always check the weather forecast and carry a means of communication.”

The 200th anniversary of the RNLI was celebrated in Portaferry on Sunday (26 May) with a cross-community service of thanksgiving held in St Patrick’s Community Centre.

The service hosted by Portaferry RNLI was greatly supported by both the local community and those who had travelled from further afield, and included contributions from religious representatives from Portaferry and the surrounding areas of Northern Ireland’s Ards Peninsula.

The audience was entertained by local sea shanty group the Selkies as well as a solo by Father Martin O’Hagan who was accompanied by Zara Quinn.

Speakers and dignitaries on the stage at St Patrick’s Community Centre to celebrate 200 years of the RNLI | Credit: RNLI/Lissa McCully

Among the attendees were the Lord Lieutenant of County Down, Gawn Rowan Hamilton; Mayor Jennifer Gilmour; Jim Shannon MP; Portaferry RNLI operations president John Murray; president of Portaferry RNLI’s fundraising branch Eveleigh Brownlow MBE; and Ards Peninsula Council members.

All at Portaferry RNLI said they wish to express their sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to or joined them to mark such a important milestone in their charity’s history.

HM Coastguard requested the launch of Portaferry RNLI’s inshore lifeboat on Friday evening (24 May) to assist a 35ft yacht which was making slow progress after having suffered engine failure eight miles to the north-east of Strangford Bar in Northern Ireland.

As friends and family arrived at Portaferry Lifeboat Station shortly after 6pm to dedicate a bench to the memory of former crew member Billy Ellison, the lifeboat launched with helm Chris Adair and volunteer crew members Scott Blackwood, Oliver Rogers and Gary Meehan onboard.

Conditions at the time had a Force 3-4 southerly light breeze, slightly choppy wave conditions and good visibility.

Once on scene, both members of the stricken yacht’s crew and their dog were observed to be safe and well.

After an assessment of the situation, the yacht crew were happy and able to hoist their mainsail and make their own way to the safety of Ardglass Marina.

Portaferry’s lifeboat returned to station at 7.30pm and after washing and refuelling the boat, the crew enjoyed refreshments with the Ellison family and past Portaferry RNLI lifeboat crew members. Comments were made that perhaps Billy Ellison was watching on.

An hour later, the coastguard contacted Portaferry lifeboat operations manager, Heather Kennedy to report that the yacht was now 1.5 miles out of Ardglass but needed assistance to negotiate the entrance to the marina.

With no other vessel available to assist, the lifeboat crew readied themselves and launched immediately.

Once on scene, a tow was established ensuring the yacht could safely enter the marina where it was met by Newcastle Coastguard.

Kennedy said: “We commend the crew onboard the yacht for raising the alarm when their engine failed. This is always the correct thing to do and a situation can quickly change and greater risks may arise.”

The RNLI reminds all boat owners to check their vessel's engine to ensure they are ready for summer. Always check the weather and tides before venturing out. Always wear a lifejacket or suitable personal flotation device for your activity and always carry a means of calling for help. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.