RNLI coxswain Mark Gannon with West Cork’s Courtmacsherry lifeboat was on a call out in December 1981 when he and his crew heard over the radio about the Penlee lifeboat disaster - when an entire lifeboat crew was lost off the Cornish coast.

Two years before that, Gannon was at sea with Courtmacsherry during the response to the Fastnet yacht race.

A happier experience was his involvement with the rescue of 30 crew and trainees when the Astrid tall ship went aground off Kinsale in 2013.

Gannon runs the Courtmacsherry Sea Angling Centre and Atlantic Whale Watching and Wildlife Tours.

Although he was the first in the family to volunteer for the lifeboat, he was quickly followed by his two brothers, Adrian and Dara, and his wife Trish.

Gannon is now making a call-out for support for the RNLI’s “Free Wills Month”, where people in Dublin or Cork over 55 years of age can avail of free legal advice to make or update a will.

Although people using the “Free Wills Month” service are not obliged to leave a gift in their will to the RNLI, the charity hopes people will consider doing so to help fund its lifesaving service.

As the RNLI’s Legacy Income Manager, Eifron Hopper says: ‘Six out of every ten RNLI lifeboat launches are only possible due to gifts left in wills. “Free Wills Month” is a great opportunity for people to write or update a will, and help power the RNLI’s lifesaving future.”

Occasionally the charity receives a large gift, but smaller legacies make a big difference too, the RNLI says.

For example, it says that a gift in a will of €694 is enough to equip a beach lifeguard; €908 could pay for a drysuit to protect an inshore lifeboat crew member; while €1,579 will provide the training for a lifeboat crew member for a whole year.

For more information – including details of solicitors in Cork or Dublin participating in “Free Wills Month” – call 01 511 9870 or email [email protected].

For general information about Free Wills Month Ireland, visit RNLI.org/FreeWillsIreland

Mark Gannon spoke to Wavelengths about his time with RNLI Courtmacsherry, and how important “Free Wills Month” is, and his interview is below

In a dramatic rescue operation, a sheep fell from a ledge in the Waterford Estuary and was saved from being engulfed by the rising tide. The incident occurred on Wednesday, prompting the Irish Coast Guard to dispatch the volunteer lifeboat crew at Fethard RNLI to the scene.

The crew, led by volunteer Helm Mick Roche and comprising Natasha Blanchfield, Eoin Bird and Diarmuid Bird, launched their boat from Duncannon and headed to the area known locally as Lady’s Bay, where the animal was stranded.

After arriving at the scene, the crew observed the sheep in distress and quickly sprang into action. Crew member Diarmuid Bird bravely entered the water, retrieved the sheep, and brought it to safety on a nearby pebble beach.

Reflecting on the incident, Helm Mick Roche stressed the importance of being cautious and vigilant around the sea and waterside. "This evening's launch highlights the importance of taking care and being wary of all edges around the sea and waterside.

Slips and falls happen in all kinds of locations, not just high cliff edges," he said.

The rescue operation was carried out under fine weather conditions, with a light southerly breeze in the Waterford Estuary. 

RNLI trustee and Red Bay lifeboat coxswain Paddy McLaughlin has been presented with the Lifesaving Foundation’s Ireland Medal in recognition of his outstanding work in saving lives from drowning.

The medal was presented by Commodore Micheal Malone, Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service, during a ceremony held at South-East Technological University in Waterford city, which was attended by major figures in the field of drowning prevention study.

The Ireland Medal is awarded each year to an individual or organisation that has made a significant contribution to saving lives from drowning.

This specially commissioned medal was introduced in 2003 and past awardees include the Naval Service, Professor Michael Tipton and Dr Paddy Morgan. The award was made to an RNLI representative during the charity’s bicentenary year.

Paddy McLaughlin has been a volunteer with the charity since 1981, when he joined his local lifeboat station in Cushendal, Co Antrim in Northern Ireland.

A coxswain on the station’s Trent class lifeboat, he has also served as both a helm and crew on the station’s inshore lifeboats, which have included the D-class, C-class, Atlantic 21, Atlantic 75 and the present-day Atlantic 85.

Paddy became a member of the RNLI’s Ireland Council in 2012 and the RNLI’s Council in 2014. He is currently the deputy chair of the Irish Council and has been a member of the RNLI’s People Committee since 2019. In 2020, Paddy joined the charity’s Board of Trustees.

Commodore Micheal Malone of the Naval Service (front row, second from left) and Paddy McLaughlin (first from right) with other guests and dignitaries at the Lifesaving Foundation’s awards ceremony at SETU recently | Credit: George Goulding/SETU

As an active member of his local community, Paddy is an advocate for partnerships and local enterprise. He was the architect of the RNLI’s hugely successful partnership with the GAA, one of Ireland’s largest sports organisations, which for the last seven years has seen both organisations working alongside each other across Ireland and the UK, with the shared goal of saving lives from drowning.

On receiving his award, Paddy paid tribute to the many people who have volunteered for the charity over the last 200 years and made a plea for organisations to continue to work together to end drowning.

“This award is a huge honour for me and I am humbled to receive it on behalf of the thousands of RNLI volunteers who have given their time, their commitment and their passion, to saving lives and preventing drowning over the last two centuries,” Paddy said.

“Whether through my lifeboat role at my station in Co Antrim on the North Coast of Ireland, as a trustee for the charity or being involved in incredible partnerships, I am grateful to have had so many opportunities to work alongside the best people and to see the difference the charity has made and continues to make in so many people’s lives.

“I hope the RNLI will continue to work through partnerships and engagement with the many groups and organisations who seek to end drowning at home and globally.”

Also attending the ceremony was RNLI’s head of water safety Gareth Morrison, who added: “I have worked with Paddy on many projects for the RNLI, including the GAA partnership, and it is fitting that he has been recognised for his many years of service and outstanding work.

“This prestigious award, which has been given to so many leaders and organisations in the field of drowning prevention, is an acknowledgement of the power of our people to bring about significant change and help others. To receive this award in the charity’s 200th year is a great honour and Paddy is a worthy recipient.”

Applications are now open to become one of the RNLI’s face-to-face fundraisers along the Causeway Coast in Antrim, and in counties Down and Dublin.

This vital role helps the lifesaving charity reach thousands of people every year, sharing safety messages and encouraging new supporters to sign up and donate.

A role within the RNLI’s face-to-face fundraising team offers flexible working in some great locations. Fundraisers receive full, high-quality training and competitive rates of pay while also developing valuable professional and personal skills.

One person who knows very well the impact that funds raised can have is Gill McIlmoyle from Portstewart. A former bank manager, she joined the RNLI’s face-to-face fundraising team in 2021.

“There are a variety of reasons why people choose to work for the charity but for me,” Gill says, “I was at a stage in my life where I wanted to do something that really mattered to me, something that was worthwhile and having grown up alongside the coast, I was always aware of the lifesaving work of the RNLI.

“I enjoy meeting and interacting with different people everyday. You get the opportunity to work in lots of different areas, very often the most beautiful parts of the country and you get to enjoy the outdoors.”

For Gill, a real highlight of the job is when she has the privilege to hear and listen to the personal stories of those who have been touched by the RNLI.

“I have met so many people whose lives have been impacted in different ways by the work of the RNLI,” she says. “The stories I have heard from people I have met along the way are personal — from those who have been rescued or who know someone who has been rescued to those who may have lost a loved one but who are grateful to the RNLI for bringing their loved one home.

“It gives me a great sense of pride and satisfaction to be part of a team which is responsible for successfully raising funds that make a difference in this way. The fact that you know your contribution helps to keep volunteer crews safe and equipped with essential lifesaving kit and training and that it helps to keep lifeboats fuelled and maintained, is rewarding. This is turn helps our crew to continue their work in saving lives at sea.”

The funds raised by Gill and her colleagues are vital in supporting the RNLI’s lifesaving service. The charity, which recently celebrated its 200th anniversary, operates 46 lifeboat stations on the island of Ireland and operates a lifeguard service along the Causeway Coast and in Co Down in Northern Ireland.

Neal Somerville, face-to-face fundraising manager at the RNLI, said: “Our face-to-face fundraiser roles are the perfect fit for anyone who is friendly, energetic and able to talk to anyone. It really is a vital role in supporting the RNLI’s lifesaving work, sharing safety advice with thousands of beach visitors every summer, as well as inspiring them to support our lifesavers with a donation.

“This year is a particularly exciting time to be considering becoming part of the RNLI family, as the charity marks two hundred years of saving lives at sea. I’d encourage anyone, no matter what career you are considering, to take up the challenge and apply for a face-to-face fundraising role.”

To apply or find out more, visit rnli.org/FundraiserJobs.

Youghal RNLI’s lifeboat volunteers in East Cork launched twice over the May Bank Holiday weekend, to join the rescue efforts for a boat aground on rocks and a kayaker in difficulty.

Late on Saturday afternoon (4 May) the crew were requested to launch their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat to take part in a multi-agency response following reports of two people aboard a 5m pleasure craft with engine failure that ended up on rocks near Goat Island beach in the Youghal Bay area.

Helmed by Jason Ansbro alongside crew members Jason Innes, Joe O’Connor and Ivan Bryan, the lifeboat arrived on scene shortly before 6pm in favourable weather conditions and a falling tide.

Two lifeboat crew members entered the water and swam ashore to the boat, which was high and dry on the rocks. They observed that the two men onboard, who were both wearing lifejackets, were safe and well and did not require any medial assistance.

It was decided that, due to the position of the boat, the casualties should be airlifted to safety by the Waterford-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117 and handed over to Ardmore Coast Guard, who were waiting close by.

Before leaving the scene, the lifeboat crew secured the casualty boat, which had to be left at the scene.

Youghal RNLI’s inshore lifeboat approaches the casualty kayaker on the rocks, with another kayaker nearby in the shadow of Sampson Crane in Ardmore Bay on Monday 6 May | Credit: RNLI/Mel Mullane

As the long weekend drew to a close on Monday (6 May), the lifeboat was called out at 3.55pm to reports of kayakers in difficulty at Sampson Crane in Ardmore Bay.

The inshore lifeboat, again helmed by Jason Ansbro with crew members Jack Nolan, Jason Innes and John McCarthy, arrived within 10 minutes of launching and one crew member was put into the water to swim to the rocks to assess the casualty, who was standing waiting for assistance.

He did not require any medical attention and was escorted to the lifeboat along with his kayak that had filled with water and capsized.

Weather conditions at the time were fair with a calm sea state and light breeze. Rescue 117 was also in attendance and proceeded to do a sweep of the area to confirm there were no other casualties.

The crew that remained in the lifeboat approached another kayaker who was close by but did not require any assistance. They proceeded to follow the lifeboat to Ardmore Pier where they were handed over to Ardmore Coast Guard awaiting their arrival.

Speaking after the Monday call-out, Youghal RNLI helm Jason Ansbro said: “This was a straightforward shout with a great outcome. With the weather becoming finer it is so important to always have a means of communication within reach at all times.”

Lough Derg RNLI launched on Sunday afternoon (5 May) to assist a family of four on board a 28ft cruiser reported to be on fire.

Following the request by Valentia Coast Guard just before noon, the inshore lifeboat Jean Spier was under way by 12.16pm with helm Eleanor Hooke and crew Doireann Kennedy, Joe O’Donoghue and Tom Hayes on board. The wind was westerly Force 2 and visibility was very good.

As the lifeboat was launching, the coastguard informed the volunteers that the family — two adults and two infants — had been taken off the casualty vessel and that Killaloe Coast Guard had also launched to assist.

At 12.26am the lifeboat crew could see the casualty vessel just south of Lough Derg Navigation Mark E. The family had transferred onto a 18ft fishing boat which was standing off close by.

A few minutes later the lifeboat came alongside the fishing vessel and found the casualties to be safe, unharmed and wearing their lifejackets.

The skipper of the casualty vessel informed the lifeboat crew that when he noticed smoke and an acrid smell coming from the engine housing, he immediately shut down the engine and with that, the smoke ceased. They were unable to deploy their anchor as it required the engine to be running to operate.

Once satisfied that sufficient time had elapsed and the engine had cooled, the RNLI helm permitted the skipper and an RNLI volunteer to board the casualty vessel.

The skipper found that a piece of cloth was in contact with the engine’s exhaust system, and identified it as the source of the smoke and smell. The cloth was removed and the casualty vessel’s engine started immediately when tried.

The lifeboat informed the coastguard of their findings and of the decision to take one adult and the children onto the lifeboat from the fishing vessel, and to accompany the casualty vessel to Dromineer Harbour with the skipper and an RNLI volunteer on board.

However, at 12.45pm the engine on the casualty vessel failed. As Killaloe Coast Guard were now on scene, the RNLI helm requested that the mother and two infants be transferred to the coastguard lifeboat and be taken ahead to Dromineer.

Given the remote location and the inability to secure the cruiser, the helm made the decision to take the casualty vessel under tow to the closest safe harbour in Dromineer, where it was safely tied alongside at 1.44pm.

Christine O’Malley, lifeboat operations Manager at Lough Derg RNLI, advises boat users: “As we are now heading into the summer season, remember to have your vessel fully serviced before embarking on your journey. If you find yourself in difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

Carrybridge RNLI Inshore Lifeboat on Lough Erne came to the rescue of two people on a 40-foot vessel that was taking on water near the Killyhevlin Hotel on Saturday, May 4.

The Belfast Coastguard had requested the launch of the lifeboat Douglas Euan & Kay Richards to assess the situation. The volunteer crew navigated through North Easterly winds of Force 1 and good visibility to reach the vessel's last known location. However, the Lough Erne Coastguard Rescue Team informed them that the vessel was heading back to Bellanaleck. The lifeboat proceeded to Bellanaleck and found the grounded vessel secured to the jetty. The crew made sure the two people on board were safe and well.

Upon inspection, the crew found the vessel was taking in water within the bow area, but it wasn't sinking due to being grounded. The crew used the lifeboat's salvage pump to lower the water level within the bow of the vessel, allowing for repairs to be made the next day.

Chris Cathcart, Volunteer Helm at Carrybridge RNLI, advised boat users to plan their route and carry out regular checks of their vessels before setting sail. He also urged boat users to have a means of calling for assistance and to have life jackets for all on board. Cathcart ended his statement by reminding the public to dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if they see someone or are in difficulties themselves while on the water.

After completing the mission, the lifeboat returned to the station, where it was refuelled, washed down, and left ready for service again.

Ballycotton RNLI Lifeboat The Austin Lidbury was called to action off the Cork coast on Saturday, May 4th, following a request for assistance from the crew of a 24ft power boat that had suffered mechanical failure. The boat was on passage from Penzance to Kinsale when the incident occurred. 

The lifeboat launched at 6:34 pm after receiving the request from Valentia Coast Guard and arrived on the scene at 8:05 pm. With moderate wind, smooth conditions, and excellent visibility, the six volunteer crew members were able to assess the situation and speak with the two people on board. 

After careful consideration, it was decided that the best course of action was to tow the vessel back to Crosshaven. A secure tow line was established, and the 24ft boat was towed at a speed of 6 knots back to Crosshaven. With the assistance of Crosshaven Harbour Master Kieran Coniry, the boat was brought alongside Port of Cork pontoon in Crosshaven at 2:00 am. 

The crew then made their way back to Ballycotton, arriving at 3:15 am, where the boat was washed down and refuelled, ready to go back into service. The volunteer lifeboat crew included Mechanic Adam Hussey, Navigator Síle Scanlon, Mike Kenneally, Adrian Erangey, and Áine Flynn. 

Reflecting on the callout, Coxswain Eolan Breathnach said, "Thankfully, conditions were excellent, and both people were wearing lifejackets and had called for help as soon as they encountered engine difficulties." He advised people to take the correct water safety advice for the activity they are taking part in and always make sure they have a means of raising the alarm if things go wrong. 

The RNLI provides an on-call, 24/7 search and rescue lifeboat service, and they continue to urge people to adhere to relevant water safety guidance for their activity. More information can be found at www.rnli.org.safety.

The Ballycotton RNLI Lifeboat was called to action on Friday 3 May, after a power boat suffered engine failure just south of Ballycotton Island. The Austin Lidbury was requested to launch by Valentia Coast Guard at 5.11pm, following a request for assistance from the crew of the vessel, who were on passage from Waterford to Monkstown.

With moderate wind and clear visibility, the Ballycotton RNLI was quick to launch and arrived on scene at 5.30pm. Once the crew had assessed the situation and spoken with the two people on board, a decision was made to tow the vessel back to Ballycotton. A secure tow line was established and the seven-metre boat was brought alongside to Ballycotton pier at 7.00pm.

Volunteer James Patton, along with fellow crew members Adam Hussey, Adrian Erangey, Síle Scanlon, Stephen Sloane, and Ronan Lynch, responded to the callout. For Patton, it was his first shout, and Coxswain Eolan Breathnach commended his efforts, saying, "Thankfully conditions were very good and the boat was located not far from the harbour, both people were wearing lifejackets and had called for help as soon as they encountered engine difficulties."

Breathnach also advised the public 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.

A family of six was rescued by the Howth RNLI, a volunteer crew, after their powerboat suffered engine failure and ended up on rocks at Lambay Island, off the north Dublin coast on Friday 3 May. The Dublin Coast Guard received a 999 call from the family, and the lifeboat was launched within 10 minutes with seven crew members on board. The Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 116, and Skerries RNLI were also tasked to the emergency. Conditions were good with a westerly wind and slight swell.

Upon arrival, the crew observed the family had abandoned their boat and were stranded on the rocks, unable to safely make it ashore to the island. The lifeboat crew launched their daughter boat, the XP boat, which allows the crew to get in close to the rocks to assist.

Rescue 116 lowered a winchman to assess the situation and observed that all six individuals were in good health and wearing lifejackets. In consultation with the crew on the XP boat, and given the conditions on scene, it was decided that the safest approach was to winch the family on board the helicopter.

The family was winched one-by-one on board the helicopter and taken to Rescue 116’s base at Dublin Airport. The volunteer lifeboat crew from Skerries RNLI, on board their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, attempted to recover the powerboat but given the conditions and the location of the boat on rocks, it was unable to safely recover the boat.

Fred Connolly, the Coxswain of Howth RNLI, who was in command of the lifeboat, praised the family for doing the right thing by calling for help as soon as they got into difficulty. He also thanked the charity's supporters for their generosity which enables them to respond to emergencies like this. The incident comes at the start of the May bank holiday weekend, which traditionally sees the start of the summer busy season and an expected increase in demand for lifesaving services.