#RNLI - The volunteer lifeboat crew at Portaferry RNLI responded to four separate calls in the space of 24 hours between Thursday 29 and Friday 30 May.

The first call was received at 6.07pm on Thursday to help four people on board a small powerboat with engine problems near Church Point in the Strangford Narrows area of Strangford Lough.

Weather at the time was cloudy with good visibility, a calm sea and Force 2 easterly winds. The volunteer crew launched at 6.13pm and were on scene with the two adults and two children onboard the powerboat within three minutes.

By this stage the people onboard the powerboat had managed to re-start their engine and made their way to the pontoons at Strangford. The RNLI crew made sure that everyone onboard the vessel was safely on shore before the volunteer lifeboat crew returned to station at Portaferry.

Not long after, a second call was received at 8.40pm from HM Coastguard requesting the RNLI to investigate a 10-metre yacht that appeared to have slipped its moorings and beached near the old Katherine Quay in Strangford, Co Down.

Once again, the weather was cloudy with good visibility, a calm sea and Force 1 easterly wind. The volunteer crew launched at 8.45pm and were on scene two minutes later, where they found two men on board and helped fix a line to secure the yacht so that it would not drift when the tide rose.

Once the yacht was secured, the lifeboat crew confirmed that the two men were happy to remain onboard while the lifeboat crew returned to station in Portaferry.

The third and final call of the evening was received 9.57pm from two men onboard another 10-metre yacht with engine problems some 10 miles south-east of the Strangford Bar at the mouth of Strangford Lough.

The two men had set out earlier that evening from Portaferry to travel to Peel Harbour in the Isle of Man. The volunteer crew launched at 10.02pm and reached the stricken yacht at 10.35pm.

Once the vessel was located, they put a lifeboat crew member on board and started to tow the vessel and its crew towards Peel Harbour in the Isle of Man, letting the larger all-weather lifeboat from Peel RNLI take over as they approached. The Portaferry crew departed the scene at 11.20pm.

The fourth call was received at 4.50pm on Friday, requesting the volunteer crew to go to the aid of six people, five in canoes and one in a small motorboat, who had got into difficulty just off Church Point.

The RNLI volunteers launched the lifeboat at 4.50pm and arrived at the scene five minutes later. Weather conditions were similar to Thursday, cloudy with good visibility, a calm sea and a Force 1 northerly wind.

On scene, the lifeboat crew discovered that the small motorboat had gone to help five adults in two canoes who were entering the Narrows area of Strangford Lough.

Having secured the two canoes, the motorboat itself started to experience engine problems, resulting in all three craft starting to drift towards the SeaGen tidal power turbine in the Narrows.

The volunteer lifeboat crew intercepted the six people at the Scotsman Rocks South, just south of Strangford, taking all on board the lifeboat, securing the small motorboat and two canoes and bringing all safely into Strangford Marina where they were put ashore.

#RNLI - The RNLI Annual Presentation of Awards took place last Thursday 22 May at London's Barbican Theatre, and in an unusual move the charity departed from the awards ceremony to look at the story behind one particular rescue.

On 18 September last year, Sam Cully's life was saved after the boat he was fishing in sank rapidly in Force 6 winds off the coast of Co Down. 

That day RNLI lifeboat crew from Portaferry and Donaghadee, along with the Irish Coast Guard's helicopter Rescue 116, were involved in his rescue – but there were other groups and organisations behind the story.

While Cully waited for help to arrive, he was able to stay afloat wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) that he had received from a grant-aided scheme funded by the European Fisheries Fund, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Asda, the Northern Ireland Fish Producers Organisation and Seafish.

Last week's awards event saw the RNLI brought everyone who was involved in saving Cully’s life together on one stage for the first time.

At the time of his rescue, Cully commented: "I was only able to swim five or 10 metres or so, and even then the wind and swell were washing me away from the shore.

"The boat went down so quickly, and I was so relieved to find the lifejacket doing exactly what I was told it would do. I cannot thank all those organisations involved enough."

RNLI chairman Charles Hunter-Pease introduced the following groups and organisations who all played a part in the rescue onto the Barbican stage: the Maritime Coast Agency’s Fishing Industry Safety Group, the Northern Ireland Fish Prodcuers Organisation, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the RNLI’s Fishing Safety team, lifejacket and personal floatation manufacturers Mullion, Seafish and the Fisherman’s Mission.

The two RNLI lifeboat crews who responded to the emergency after being alerted by the coastguard were Portaferry and Donaghadee RNLI and they, too, were represented. 

Coxswain Philip McNamara was present from Donaghadee lifeboat station and Portaferty RNLI were represented by deputy launching authority Lennie Lawson, shore crewmember Graham Edgar and lifeboat crew Marko Petrick, Sinead Breen and Paul Mageean.  Luke Murphy, who was also on the lifeboat crew that day, was unable to be present.

Speaking after the event, Donaghadee RNLI coxswain McNamara said: "It was an honour to be present at the ceremony and surrounded by so many people working together to help fishermen stay safe at sea. 

"This was a life saved on the day of the rescue but Sam gave himself every chance by wearing a life jacket and being prepared. Everyone on that stage was a lifesaver."

Poraferry RNLI's Lawson added: ‘It was a very moving occasion. It was lovely to be acknowledged in such good company. So many people work behind the scenes in the RNLI to make sure our lifeboats get to sea and we all do it voluntarily. 

"In this instance the number of people behind the scenes was huge. This scheme has been very important to the fishing community and it shows that by working together we can save lives."

The evening ended with an emotional video tribute by Sam Cully, who then surprised the group on stage and the audience present by coming out with his wife Marie-Clare to thank everyone present in person.

Also honoured on the Barbican stage was Howth RNLI lifeboat operations manager Rupert Jeffares, who received a Bar to the Gold Badge, the second highest honour bestowed by the lifesaving charity.

#RNLI - Skerries RNLI launched on Saturday evening (24 May) to reports of a kitesurfer in distress near Shenick Island off the south strand in Skerries.

The volunteer crew launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Louis Simson shortly after 5.30pm. The lifeboat was helmed by Conor Walsh with crew members Eoin Grimes, Stephen Crowley and Adam Scott also on board. 

Dublin Coast Guard requested the lifeboat to launch after a member of public raised the alarm that a kitesurfer was struggling to get back to shore.

The lifeboat launched into a Force 4 north-easterly wind and choppy seas before proceeding directly to Shenick Island to investigate. Skerries Coast Guard and the Irish Coast Guard's search and rescue helicopter Rescue 116 were also tasked to the incident.

Arriving on scene, the lifeboat could see a kitesurfer standing in shallow water making their way toward the beach. Skerries Coast Guard were waiting on shore and were able to confirm that no further assistance was required. The lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.

Speaking after the call-out, Skerries RNLI volunteer lifeboat press officer Gerry Canning said: "In this particular case, the kitesurfer was able to make it ashore safely. However, we would still like to remind everyone that if you see someone in difficulty at sea to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."

#RNLI - Ballycotton RNLI went to the rescue of a man and his dog from a tidal rock near the West Cork town yesterday afternoon (Saturday 24 May).

The volunteer lifeboat crew was requested to launch at 12.13pm at the request of the Irish Coast Guard, which had received a report from gardaí that the man and his dog were stranded on the tidal rock two miles west of Ballycotton.

The all-weather lifeboat, under coxswain Francis Morgan and with four crew members on board, launched alongside the station’s inshore boarding boat, with two crew on board, and made its way to the scene.

Weather conditions at the time were described as blowing north to north easterly winds, Force 4 to 6.

On arrival, the crew on Ballycotton RNLI’s boarding boat successfully recovered the casualties and transferred them to the all-weather lifeboat.

The lifeboat then returned them safely to the pier at Ballycotton. No medical assistance was required.

Speaking following the callout, Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat operations manager John Tatton said: "I would like to thank the lifeboat crew for their prompt and professional response this afternoon when their pagers went off, and am delighted to say both the man and his dog were returned safely to shore."

#RNLI - Lough Ree RNLI in Co Westmeath came to the aid of four people yesterday afternoon (Monday 19 May) after their cruiser got into difficulty.

The volunteer lifeboat crew was requested to launch shortly before 3.30pm following a report that a cruiser was aground on Hexagon Shoal in Lough Ree. 

The boat, with two men and two women on board, was holed below waterline and was taking on water.

At the scene, the four people and their baggage were taken off the cruiser and transferred to the lifeboat by Lough Ree RNLI. They were then brought safely to the lifeboat station.

#RNLI - Portaferry RNLI's volunteer lifeboat crew were involved in the rescue of 23 canoeists who got into difficulty just off Castle Island in Strangford Lough yesterday afternoon (Saturday 17 May).

The call for help was received at 2.40pm and the volunteer lifeboat crew launched at 2.45pm.

They arrived at the scene just off Castle Island in Strangford Lough in Co Down 10 minutes later, finding six of the party of canoeists in the water.

Weather conditions at the time were cloudy with good visibility, with a slight sea swell and a Force 4 southerly wind.

The RNLI crew recovered two of the people from the water, while a small motor boat which had also come to the canoeists' aid took the other four on board.

The RNLI lifeboat crew then took their two casualties along with two canoes back to nearby Strangford Lough Yacht Club, where the casualties were put ashore into the care of HM Coastguard.

1. lifeboat crew then returned to the scene near Castle Island and from there escorted the remaining 17 members of the canoe party back to the safety of the yacht club.

Commenting on the rescue, Portaferry RNLI lifeboat operations manager Brian Bailie said: "Thankfully everyone was brought safely to shore and it is testament to the training and dedication of the volunteer RNLI crew that a potentially tragic situation was averted.

"Strangford Lough is an extremely popular location for groups of canoeists and it is vital that they take all necessary precautions when taking to the water."

#RNLI - Arklow RNLI's lifeboat Ger Tigchlearr and its volunteer crew launched at first light yesterday morning (13 May) to go to the aid of a local fishing vessel.

Within minutes of the pager alert at 5.45am the lifeboat was making for the casualty vessel, which was approximately 16 miles south of Arklow, arriving on scene approximately 40 minutes later.

Once in position, the lifeboat crew secured a tow line to the casualty vessel, a 45ft local fishing vessel with four crew members aboard that had developed engine trouble and was adrift.

When the lifeboat crew made fast the towline, they proceeded to tow the casualty vessel back to Arklow. Upon arrival shortly after 9.30am, the casualty vessel was brought alongside where the crew came ashore safely.

Commenting later, Arklow RNLI lifeboat sea safety officer Mark Corcoran said: “Even experienced fishermen and sailors can be caught out while at sea, be prepared, never take chances and always wear a lifejacket.”

The volunteer crew for this shout were coxswain Ned Dillon, mechanic Michael Fitzgerald, Eddie McElheron, Andrew Loughlin, Jimmy Myler, Craig O’Reilly and James Russell.

#RNLI - Wicklow RNLI launched to assist a yacht in difficulty before 10am yesterday morning (Sunday 11 May) just as lifeboat volunteers were preparing to launch on a crew exercise in Wicklow Bay.

The call for assistance from the yacht with three people on board was received by the Irish Coast Guard, who tasked Wicklow RNLI to the scene.

Both of the station’s lifeboats were immediately launched to attend to the 27-foot yacht, which was located one mile south of Wicklow Head.

The yacht’s tiller had snapped and the crew had lost all steering control. Conditions in the area were moderately windy, with a westerly Force 4 in moderate seas.

Lifeboat crew members John Vize and Paul Sillery were put on the yacht to assist with establishing a towline. Once this was completed, the vessel was taken in tow by the all-weather lifeboat.

With no tiller on the yacht the tow back to Wicklow was slow; a drogue was rigged to assist with the progress.

The lifeboat arrived back in the harbour at 12.10pm and the yacht with three crew was secured safely alongside the East Pier.

The crew on the all-weather lifeboat were coxswain Ciaran Doyle, mechanic Brendan Copeland, Carol Flahive, Connie O’Gara, John Vize and Alan Goucher. The inshore lifeboat crew were helm Mark Kavanagh, Paul Sillery and Matt Doyle.

#RNLI - A fishing vessel that developed steering trouble in Belfast Lough was towed to safety by Donaghadee RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat Saxon, assisted by Bangor RNLI’s inshore lifeboat.

The Donaghadee lifeboat launched at 3.20pm yesterday (Friday 9 May) after a request from Belfast Coastguard.

At the scene, six miles north-east of Orlock Point, a secure tow-line was established to the stricken trawler, which had a crew of six.

The vessel was towed to Bangor Harbour where the crew of Bangor’s Atlantic class lifeboat Jessie Hillyard assisted, safely guiding the trawler to a berth at the Eisenhower Pier. The Donaghdee lifeboat stood down at 5.40pm.

Donaghadee RNLI’s lifeboat operations manager Alan Couser said: “This rescue was a fine example of swift action and good teamwork by two lifeboat crews. Another potential tragedy has been averted.”

Elsewhere, a 75-foot fishing boat St Claire was finally towed to safety in Cork Harbour by the Courtmacsherry lifeboat last night after a marathon 11-hour operation.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the vessel had got into difficulties earlier in the day some 35 miles off the West Cork coast.

Poor sea conditions with strong winds resulted in a slowed return journey to shore.

Courtmacsherry RNLI deputy launching authority Dermot O'Mahony said: "All aboard the trawler were mighty pleased to be in safe harbour tonight. 

"I would like to commend the volunteer lifeboat crew on their quick response for what has turned out to be a lengthy call-out."

The lifeboat crew on yesterday's call-out were coxswain Sean O 'arrell, mechanic Stewart Russell and crew Dara Gannon, Ken Cashman, Gary Barrett, Ciaran Hurley and Dave Philips.

#RNLI - Red Bay RNLI was involved in the rescue Sunday afternoon (4 May) of a man who fell overboard from a boat near Cushendall in Co Antrim.

The man had fallen from the vessel near Waterfoot pier and was in the water for nearly 30 minutes. Members of the public raised the alarm.

A local fish farm boat located the man in the water and he was then moved to the lifeboat, where he was treated for hypothermia before been transferred to a waiting ambulance crew.

His condition is thought not to be life-threatening.