#lifeboat – Lifeboat crew at Enniskillen RNLI launched this afternoon (Friday 15 November) when a small aircraft reported that it was in trouble and about to ditch in Lough Erne. The lifeboat crew based at Carrybridge on Lough Erne launched immediately along with their Rescue Water Craft and proceeded to the Crom area where the plane had entered the water. The two men onboard had managed to free themselves and made their way safely ashore.

The Atlantic 75 lifeboat and Rescue Water Craft were launched at 4.46pm. On arriving at the scene at 5.05pm the lifeboat volunteers commenced a search on a westerly course for approximately half a mile before they located the flashing red tail light of the plane which was submerged approximately two feet under the water.

Confirmation had reached the lifeboat volunteers from the coastguard that the two men had made it safely ashore and were with a member of the public. They were subsequently joined by members of the Erne coastguard shore-based team.

Commenting on the incident Enniskillen RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Davey Robinson said, ' These were two very lucky men and the fact that they are both safe and unharmed is largely due to the skill of the pilot who managed to ditch the plane in the water near to the shore.

Enniskillen RNLI lifeboat helm Chris Cathcart added, 'The location where we found the aircraft submerged in the water was about hundred metres from the shore. This undoubtedly helped in the successful outcome of the operation.'

#RNLI - Clifden RNLI officially named its new Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Joyce King, at its station in the Connemara coastal town of Clifden in a special ceremony yesterday (Saturday 9 November).

John Coyle, chairman of the Irish council of the RNLI, accepted the lifeboat on behalf of the institution before handing her over into the care of Clifden Lifeboat Station.

Coyle paid tribute to the donor John Charles King, who had generously funded the lifeboat through a gift left in his will.

King - who hailed from Lincolnshire in England - funded the lifeboat, which has been in service in Clifden since June, in memory of his wife Joyce.

Jackie O’Grady, chair of the Clifden RNLI lifeboat management group and a former honorary secretary at the station, then officially named the lifeboat during the ceremony.

The new state-of-the-art Atlantic 85 lifeboat, at 8,4m in length and weighing 1.8 tonnes, was introduced into the RNLI fleet in 2005. Improvements on its predecessor include a faster top speed of 35 knots, radar, provision for a fourth crew member and more space for survivors.

Since the new lifeboat went into service in Clifden, it has had seven call-outs and 20 people have been brought to safety.

Clifden RNLI lifeboat operations manager John Brittain said the naming ceremony and service of dedication was a special occasion in the history of the lifeboat station, adding that the volunteer crew was grateful to King for his generous legacy.

He said the RNLI could not operate its lifeboats without the dedication of volunteer lifeboat crew.

"The 37 men and women currently on our crew in Clifden give 100% at all times. Their commitment and on-going attendance for training both here and at the lifeboat college means that they are highly proficient in the operation of their lifeboats. 

"Further testament of the dedication of the crew is their knowledge that they may risk their own lives in the service of others. There is nothing greater that a person could offer and they deserve nothing less than the best lifeboat, equipment and training that money can buy."

Brittain went on to pay tribute to the vital support provided by the volunteers who support the crew.

"However, the lifeboat crew and I are only one part of this station. I must mention our operation team, supporters and fundraisers who volunteer their time and efforts and do so much for Clifden RNLI. These are people of all ages who give what time and money they can – thank you."

The RNLI established a lifeboat station in Clifden in early 1988 when a C-class lifeboat was put on service for one season’s evaluation. The following year Clifden RNLI became fully operational as a summer season only lifeboat station. 


In 1992 part of a building used for housing the lifeboat was demolished and a new purpose-built building was constructed in order to provide adequate facilities for the lifeboat and crew. As well as providing an area for the C-class lifeboat and launching vehicle, it included a workshop and crew facilities.

In 1997, an Atlantic 21 lifeboat was placed on service and a new boathouse for the lifeboat and a tractor was completed in August 1998. A new Atlantic 75 B-class lifeboat was placed on service in 1999 and remained stationed until June when it was replaced by the Atlantic 85.

Fast, manoeuvrable and reliable, the B-class operates in rough weather conditions, capable in daylight up to force seven and at night, to force six winds. The new lifeboat, an Atlantic 85, is the latest version of the B-class.

A crowd of well-wishers turned up to see the lifeboat officially named with a bottle of champagne poured over the side of the boat before it launched at the end of the ceremony.

Clifden RNLI lifeboat crew member David Barry welcomed guests and opened proceedings while Lavinia Joyce from the Clifden RNLI fundraising branch delivered the vote of thanks. Father James Ronayne and Reverend Stan Evans lead the service of dedication.

#rnli – Volunteer lifeboat crewmembers and fundraisers were awarded certificates at the Howth RNLI's Supporter's Meeting last Wednesday in Howth Yacht Club (6 Nov).

Fundraisers who took part or organised wide range of activities from barbeques to kayaking, cycle rides to the Rose of Tralee were awarded Certificates of Thanks for their efforts. Ronan Murphy and the StaminUp group from Toned Fit took part in the To Hell & Back Challenge. Jennifer Murphy and Brendan Mulligan cycled from London to Paris. Gavin Pritcher organised the Dublin City Kayaking Challenge. Dermot and Liz Skehan held barbeques for Howth Yacht Club's White Sail Series and Kate O'Farrell entered the Rose of Tralee and choose the RNLI as her charity.

Ian Massey, lifeboat crewmember, received a Certificate of Service in recognition of over 20 years service to the RNLI. Lifeboat crewmembers Paddy Brown, Fred Connolly, Michael Duffy, Dave Howard, Rob Kerley, Ian Martin, Tim McDonnell, Stephen Mullaney, Ronan Murphy, Michael Murtagh, Manus O'Donnell, Adam Scott, Ian Sheridan and Joss Walsh received Casualty Care Certificates.

Howth RNLI's current fundraising campaign is aiming to raise money to fund a new pager system for the volunteer crew.

#rnli – An outdoor exhibition showcasing striking photos of the lifesaving work of the RNLI in Ireland and the UK will be displayed on Grand Canal Square Dublin from Friday 15 November to Monday 2 December. The unique display will be freely available to view by everyone, 24 hours a day in all weathers.

From dramatic shots of lifeboats battling fierce seas to candid portraits of the charity's dedicated volunteer crew members, lifeguards and fundraisers, The Lifeboat: Courage on our Coasts exhibition showcases over 50 iconic images captured through the lens of RNLI lifeboat crew member and award-winning professional photographer Nigel Millard.

The exhibition will be the first time that photographs of the RNLI's work have been made available to the public in this way. It features some of the most impressive photos from Nigel Millard's new book, The Lifeboat: Courage on our Coasts.

Nigel's photos – the result of two years' work – offer a unique eyewitness insight into the lifesaving work of the RNLI. Among the Irish lifeboat stations to feature in the exhibition are Baltimore in west Cork, Achill Island in Mayo, Rosslare Harbour and Kilmore Quay in Wexford, Dunmore East in Waterford and Newcastle in Down. A number of Irish faces also feature in a portrait montage that sums up the RNLI's family, those who give their time and talents to support the lifeboat crew or those who carry out the rescues themselves.

In 2011, Nigel was on the Baltimore lifeboat that arrived on scene with not a moment to spare when the crew of the Rambler 100 had been thrown from their yacht during the Rolex Fastnet race.

Spectators will also be treated to the varied range of images which depict the rough weather conditions lifeboats crews in Ireland launch into on many search and rescue operations. Rosslare Harbour lifeboat crew use their Severn class, Donald and Barbara Broadhead to tackle angry swells in the Irish Sea while Ireland's first Tamar class lifeboat, stationed at Kilmore Quay, makes short work of the heavy swells off the Wexford coast.

The book which is a celebration of the RNLI today features images from 20 Irish lifeboat stations.

#rnli – The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has announced that it is to trial a new lifeboat station at Union Hall in south west Cork. At a meeting of the RNLI Board of Trustees the decision was taken to establish an inshore lifeboat station at Union Hall for a trial period of 24 months. Following the evaluation the lifesaving charity will examine whether there is a case to establish a permanent lifeboat station at Union Hall.

Formal representations were made in May to the RNLI from the Glandore Harbour Inshore Lifeboat Committee for the establishment of a lifeboat station in the area. The committee was made up of individuals from the Union Hall and Glandore area representing the fishing industry, marine leisure and the local community.

The trial station will operate an RNLI B Class lifeboat. This lifeboat is a rigid inflatable boat measuring 7.3 metres and which can reach speeds of up to 32 knots. It is fast, manoeuvrable and very reliable and can operate in rough weather conditions. The inshore lifeboat complements the work of the larger all-weather lifeboats, which are based at the neighbouring RNLI lifeboat stations of Baltimore and Courtmacsherry. Baltimore RNLI also operates an inshore lifeboat. These declared search and rescue assets work with the Irish Coast Guard to save lives at sea.

The Union Hall lifeboat will come from the existing RNLI relief fleet and the station will be based on Union Hall Pier in Keelbeg. It is hoped to have the station fully operational and ready for service by the middle of next year. Work will shortly begin on recruitment and training.

Commenting on the decision RNLI Regional Operations Manager for Ireland and the Isle of Man, Martyn Smith said, 'The south west coast of Cork is an area of significant maritime activity. Sadly it has also witnessed its fair share of tragedy. While RNLI all-weather lifeboat cover is strong along the Cork coast we feel there is a strong case for the addition of an inshore lifeboat based at Union Hall.'

'This coastline has many inlets and cliffs that are suitable for the rapid response and shallow water operations of an inshore lifeboat. Therefore the charity has taken this significant step in search and rescue cover along the south west coast and we are grateful to the people of Union Hall and Glandore for their support on this project.'

Paddy O'Donovan, Chairman of the Glandore Harbour Inshore Lifeboat Committee added, 'We are delighted that the RNLI have taken the decision to trial an inshore lifeboat at Union Hall for 24 months. We felt there was a strong case for a lifeboat here and we worked hard to bring the community together to make that case to the RNLI. We are all very familiar with the lifesaving work of the lifeboat crews in Baltimore and Courtmacsherry and we want the lifeboat crew in Union Hall to work alongside them in making sure our coastline has strong search and rescue cover.'

The RNLI already operates 44 lifeboat stations around the coast and on inland waters in Ireland.

#RNLI - Arklow RNLI’s volunteers were involved in an unusual rescue yesterday (5 November) at Arklow Harbour's boat slipway when they came to the aid of a seal pup.

Lifeboat crew were alerted to the marine mammal's plight by a member of the fishing community who had spotted the seal in an exhausted condition near Arklow lifeboat station.

On arriving at the scene, Arklow RNLI lifeboat volunteer press officer Mark Corcoran made contact with the Irish Whale & Dolphin Group and the Irish Seal Sanctuary to ascertain the best course of action to assist the seal pup. Also on scene was Tommy Heffernan from Avondale Vets.

Arklow RNLI lifeboat crew members including Scott Heaney and other members of the public assisted by keeping onlookers and curious dogs away from the distressed seal, who was determined to be tired and dehydrates following consultations with experts.

It was then decided that it would be best to remove the baby seal - named Sammy by the crew - to the safety of Avondale Vets and, once he was stabilised, to move the seal onward to the Irish Seal Sanctuary.

The pup is now being cared for by the Irish Seal Sanctuary and will enjoy a diet of fresh fish until it reaches a healthy weight and can be released back into the wild.

"It was an amazing experience to get so close to a seal," said Corcoran after the call-out. "They’re really fantastic creatures, and it’s not an everyday occurrence.

"Thanks to the teamwork demonstrated by the different groups involved, the story had a happy ending and I’m really pleased that we could help."

#RNLI - It was the end of an era on Friday night 1 November as Wicklow RNLI held a retirement presentation to mark 46 years of service to Wicklow lifeboats by one of its greatest servants, Kit Dunne.

Dunne first became involved with the RNLI way back in 1966. Since then he has served with several different coxswains either as crew or, after taking up the post in 1993, as a deputy launching authority.

Well known in Wicklow Harbour as a pilot, Dunne even came to the aid of the pilot boat when he was aboard the lifeboat JW Archer as a crewman back in 1972.

The 18ft boat had engine failure and with a falling tide was in danger of drifting out to sea when the lifeboat launched to their aid.

Over a period of 27 years, Kit Dunne served the RNLI with distinction. In 1993 he retired from active service but hon secretary Kevin Desmond decided that his common sense experience and loyalty should not be wasted and he was invited to become a deputy launching authority, a position he held until his retirement at the end of last year.

At the retirement presentation, divisional operations manager Owen Medland lauded Dunne's service and dedication over so many years and presented him with a framed certificate of service.

Wicklow RNLI chairman and former coxswain Gerard Haughton also spoke very highly of his time serving with Dunne.

At the very special evening surrounded by family, friends and former colleagues, Dunne was presented with a framed memento of the two lifeboats he had served on, the JW Archer and the Annie Blaker, by Wicklow lifeboat operations manager Des Davitt, who praised him for his outstanding service to his community and the RNLI. He also thanked him for his help and counsel over the last 10 years.

Most important to Dunne was the painting presented to him by his peers. The beautiful artwork, by local artist Pat Dover, was presented by coxswain Nicky Keogh, second coxswain Ciaran Doyle and station mechanic Brendan Copeland on behalf of the crew.

They spoke of the knowledge and experience Dunne has passed down to the new crewmembers over many years. Meanwhile, his son, Kit Jr, told of his pride in his father, who not only served his community but is also a great father and family man.

Kit Dunne thanked all present and told of his great pride in serving such a great organisation as the RNLI. He left the stage to a standing ovation.

In 2005 Dunne was awarded the silver statuette by the RNLI for his service to the institution, but it was clear on the night that he needed no awards or presentations, as his greatest reward was to have served with so many selfless and courageous people over so many years.

#RNLI - Howth RNLI has brought six people to safety on Saturday evening (2 November) after their 37ft yacht got into difficulty north of Dublin Bay.

The volunteer crew was requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat by the Irish Coast Guard shortly after 6pm following a report that a 37ft yacht was unable to safely enter the harbour from one mile east of Howth Harbour.

The lifeboat, under coxswain Robert Duffy and with six crew members onboard, launched in five minutes into gale force winds and made its way to the scene.

Weather conditions were difficult, with winds blowing Force 8 to 9 at the time and gusting to 45 knots.

The lifeboat located the yacht in a calm, sheltered bay off Howth Head. A lifeboat crew member was then transferred to the disabled boat which had encountered a mechanical problem. A tow line was then established and the lifeboat brought the vessel to safety at Howth at 7pm.

Speaking following the call-out, Duffy said: "This was a challenging call-out for our volunteer crew tonight given the gusty weather conditions and the darkness.

"Thankfully we were on scene quickly and using our training, we were able to assist the six crew members on board the yacht and bring them safely to shore."

Elsewhere, Kilrush RNLI brought a yacht which was dragging its mooring off Hogg Island to safety on Saturday morning.

The volunteer crew was requested to launch their inshore lifeboat at 9.40am, and within minutes they had sighted the vessel, which was located a short distance from Cappa Pier.



A crewmember was put aboard the vessel to start the engine and bring it to another secured mooring. In the meantime, the crew put a line on the strayed mooring line and towed it out of the way from the main shipping line. 



Winds were extremely strong gusting up to Force 8, and it was decided in the interest of safety that the yacht be brought into Kilrush Creek Marina.



Kilrush RNLI lifeboat operations manager John Lamb praised the crew who he said put their skills and training to good work in what was challenging weather conditions.

"When volunteer crew members put in the time for training, their efforts pay off on call-outs such as this one this morning and thankfully we were able to bring this vessel to safety," he said.

#RNLI - Clifden RNLI volunteer crewmember James 'Digger' Mullen was selected from thousands of RNLI volunteers to represent the charity last month on a European Lifeboat Crew Exchange in Denmark.

Lifeboat crew from seven European countries were invited on a week-long programme designed to improve maritime search and rescue (SAR) responses and help to prevent loss of life in Europe’s waters.

The initiative is run by the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) and comprises simulated search and rescue exercises as well as training modules, which were organised by the Danish Rescue Coast Service.

During an exhaustive week, Mullen had an opportunity to work with Danish lifeboat crew from three lifeboat stations and took part in various challenging scenarios with the Danish navy and the rescue helicopter crews.

Mullen, from the Clifden lifeboat in Co Galway, worked alongside lifeboat crew from Holland, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland and Germany from a base in Hirtshals, a town on the north coast of Denmark. The area the local lifeboat crew operated in was completely different to Clifden with no breakers or islands off the coastline.

The group went to sea on Hirtshals lifeboat station’s two rescue boats: a 23m all-weather boat and a 9m fast response boat (FRB) that reaches speeds of up to 30 knots. The group travelled down the coast 40 miles to meet up with Thorup Strand lifeboat station and their 9m jet rescue boat Hurricane, which reaches speeds of 40 knots.

The team carried out a medical evacuation with a navy patrol boat and refueled the lifeboat at sea from the navy ship, while both vessels were travelling at 8 knots. The crew also took part in a joint lifeboat helicopter exercise; a common occurrence for lifeboat crew on Irish waters.

The week was full of simulated rescues and boat handling, with all the lifeboat crewmembers swapping their knowledge and feedback on what they found worked in different types of emergency scenarios in their own areas.

The final two days of the exercise were spent with the Danish navy and the team attended naval training school. They were taught how to board a life raft in big seas, how to abandon ship from a six metre bridge, and how to recover unconscious casualties into a liferaft.

At the end of the training there was a mass exercise. The pool was darkened, filled with smoke, wind, rain, lighting and thunder, and they evacuated their ship to find an unconscious casualty and recover them on to a nearby liferaft.

The final exercise was held in the navy fire fighting/damage control training centre. The group were taken onto a simulated navy ship and had to stem a growing ingress of water which was flowing in through numerous breeches and ultimately save the ship from sinking. This was to be done with timber, rubber mats, wedges, buckets, ropes, hand saws and hammers. In the freezing water which was pouring into the ship, the team all worked together to try and stem the flow and save the ship.

Commenting on the week, Mullen said: “I am extremely grateful that this exchange programme has been made possible through EU funding on the Lifelong Learning Programme. Our group of lifeboat crew from across Europe shared experiences with each other and listened to everyone’s feedback.

"Though we all spoke difference languages, we generally all do what we do the very same way, just using different boats with different equipment. Saving lives at sea is the same in every language."

RNLI divisional operations manager Owen Medland added: “We were delighted to have an RNLI volunteer crewmember on this exchange. The experience James has had in his role operating lifeboats off the west coast of Ireland is invaluable and we were keen to share this knowledge with a wider search and rescue community.

"There are always things we can learn from each other and it promotes a wider understanding of how saving lives at sea has evolved and continues to evolve due to improved equipment and continuing training.”

#RNLI - Galway RNLI joined a major search for a woman believed to have entered the water at Galway Docks in the early hours of yesterday morning (Friday 1 November) that turned out to be a false alarm.

The Irish Coast Guard received a report about the missing woman shortly before 2am and immediately sought the assistance of Galway RNLI volunteer crew who launched the lifeboat from the nearby station within minutes.  



Galway Fire Brigade and Mill Street Gardai searched the perimeter of the docks, including the boats and marina, while the Galway lifeboat searched the rest of the Docks.

They were joined in their efforts by coastguard rescue helicopter from about 3am but nothing was found.



After some investigation, it was discovered that the person who was reported missing was in fact safe and sound at another location. 



Galway RNLI lifeboat operations manager Mike Swan said the search operation was eventually stood down at about 4am.

"While this incident proved to be a false alarm, Galway RNLI is always willing and ready to respond to anyone who is thought to be in danger in the water," said Swan.

"Each time the lifeboat is called out it costs the station up to €4,000. All of our lifeboat crew and land crew are volunteers and we rely solely on fundraising and the generosity of the public to keep the station and service running."