Galway man John Coyle has been recognised by the Queen in the Birthday Honours list for his role in helping the RNLI in its work to save lives at sea. John is to receive an OBE. A former Trustee of the RNLI and Chair of the RNLI’s Council in Ireland, John has been to the forefront of lifesaving on the island of Ireland. 

A graduate in Economics and Business from University College Dublin and The College d’Europe at Bruges, John Coyle is a former President of Galway Chamber of Commerce and Chambers Ireland, also holding the position of Vice Chair of Eurochambres. John has also worked in the agrochemical, Maritime, Tourism and Property sectors.

Throughout his business career and charity work, John has been committed to the strengthening of cross border business links and mutual cooperation.

In 2008 he was nominated by the Government to the Board of the Commissioners for Irish Lights - the entity charged with the maintenance of lighthouses and AIDS to Navigation for the entire Island of Ireland.

His relationship with the RNLI was a result of a lifelong interest in yachting and began through fundraising for the lifeboats on the west coast of Ireland before joining the Irish Council of the RNLI. John was then invited to join the UK Council of The RNLI before becoming a Trustee of the charity. His direct involvement with the RNLI spans some thirty-five years and continues to this day. 

In June 2019, he was appointed a Knight of the Sovereign Order of Malta and now he is to receive on OBE for his work with the charity. 

Speaking on the award, John Coyle said, ‘This is a tremendous honour and one, as a volunteer for the RNLI, I feel very proud to receive. The RNLI in Ireland is an all-island organisation and the spirit of co-operation that exists between Ireland and the UK continues to bring people together in their mission to save lives. A huge debt of thanks is due to all those who so generously continue to fundraise or donate to the RNLI, we could not continue without their support. 

Commenting on the honour, outgoing Chair of the RNLI’s Irish Council David Delamer added, ‘This is a wonderful tribute to John and recognition of many years of dedicated work. John is a man of great integrity and optimism. He has the great ability to be able to bring people with him and listen to what people need. He strives in all things for balance and fairness. John always works tirelessly and diligently, to help causes close to his heart, never seeking recognition but always gaining respect. 

RNLI Chief Executive, Mark Dowie said: ‘It is such a delight to see these RNLI people recognised for their hard work and commitment, particularly as we have had such a challenging year. Those who have been named in this year’s Birthday Honours truly represent the RNLI values. On behalf of everyone at the RNLI, I send my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to all those who have been recognised.’

Clifden RNLI was delighted to accept the sum of €3,774 raised by the Connemara based Twelve Bens Cycling Club after a unique and testing fundraising challenge.

On Sunday, September 6th, 12 cyclists from the club undertook an innovative cycling challenge consisting of 12 laps of the 'Sky Road' loop, so-called due to its steep hill climbs along the well known scenic route.

Beginning and ending at the Clifden Bike Shop on Market St, the cyclists completed twelve laps of the 17-kilometre route which presented a testing 230 metres of elevation per lap.

On the Sky Road Loop at Clifden in aid of the local RNLI

The participating cyclists were Ciarán Hickey, Daniel King, Dara O Donoghue, Finian Sheridan, John Gallagher, John James Flaherty, Johnny King, Nick Finney, Rob King (RNLI Area Lifeboat Manager), Simon Ashe, Simon O' Hora and Willie O'Hora.

The group were joined by some support cyclists and stewards and a small outdoor gathering of socially distanced supporters to encourage them in their challenge, which they hoped to achieve in less than 12 hours.

Event organiser Simon O Hora said 'We came up with a challenge we could do locally as travelling for training wasn't an option due to Covid 19 restrictions. As a club, we wanted to do something that would push ourselves mentally and physically and one where we could see the sea on every lap-to remind us why we were doing it.

It was certainly challenging at times but ultimately it was a rewarding endeavour and we were really glad to have been able to raise this sum for the RNLI'.

Simon O Hora of the Twelve Bens Cycling Club presents Clifden RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Brittain with a cheque for €3,774

A further €520 was collected in RNLI buckets on the day and the weary cyclists fully completed their epic challenge in 10 hours and 12 minutes.

Speaking on behalf of Clifden RNLI, Catherine Pryce said 'In this most challenging year for all charities, the Twelve Bens challenge has provided a very welcome donation to the local Clifden lifeboat crew. It was an extremely well-run event, all carried out within the necessary public health guidelines and we congratulate the cyclists on their achievement and thank all who donated for their ongoing support'.

Lifesavers at the RNLI are encouraging people to support them by signing up to host a Fish Supper this October or donate the price of fish and chips to raise vital funds for the lifesaving charity.

The RNLI's annual fishy fundraiser encourages people to host a Fish Supper during the month of October with donations being made in support of the lifesaving charity or if they prefer, to donate the price of a fish and chip supper.

With restrictions in place due to the Coronavirus pandemic, this year's Fish Supper event is a bit different. Therefore, the RNLI is encouraging people to host their Fish Supper online this year, if they can't have it with their household. Of course, if people prefer, they can always donate the price of a fish and chip supper online.

With the Coronavirus pandemic having a huge impact on the RNLI's ability to generate income, fundraising events like Fish Supper are more important than ever.

To give people some ideas, award-winning chef Derry Clarke, of L'Ecrivain restaurant has generously shared some of his favourite fish recipes and even accompanied them with a specially recorded video. Derry and Sallyanne Clarke are huge supporters of the work of the RNLI and Derry even wore his lifeboats t-shirt in the video.

Scallops

Mussels

The charity's lifeboat crews have faced an incredibly busy summer as people flocked to the coast and inland waters when restrictions eased. To sign up to host your own Fish Supper, and to find a load of fantastic recipes from some top celebrity chefs, visit: RNLI.org/Fish

A Wexford family has expressed thanks to the volunteers of Kilmore Quay RNLI who brought them to safety earlier this summer when their pleasure craft got into difficulty.

James Kehoe and his grandchildren Aisling, 13, Emily, 9, and Orla, 7, were rescued when their 7m boat broke down having sustained engine failure in Ballyteigue Bay, half a mile north west of Forlorn Point in county Wexford. The lifeboat under Coxswain Aidan Bates, went to the family’s aid and towed the vessel safely back to Kilmore Quay.

Such was seven-year-old Orla’s delight at being rescued by the lifeboat, she has since created a scrapbook about her adventure.

Emily, Aisling and Orla

It also transpires that the family have a close RNLI connection with James’ late father and the girls’ great grandfather, Jimmy Kehoe, a former station mechanic who was awarded a Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum, by the RNLI, for his part in a dangerous rescue off the Saltee Islands 63 years ago.

Jimmy was one of seven crew members on the Kilmore Quay lifeboat Ann Isabella Pyemont, which successfully rescued 10 seamen from the ill-stricken French trawler Augusta Mariste, in a fresh south to southwesterly gale with gusts at times of Force 10, in Ballyteigue Bay on the 19 December 1957.

Kilmore Quay RNLI Coxswain Aidan Bates said: ‘We were delighted to be able to help the family during the summer and tow the vessel back to safety. It was lovely to hear that Orla went to such efforts to create a scrapbook about the rescue and to be reminded of the girls' great-grandfather Jimmy, one of seven former Kilmore Quay RNLI volunteers who were deservedly recognised for their selfless bravery and courage all those years ago.’

Orla

James Kehoe, skipper of the boat and the girls’ grandfather said: ‘It was good to experience the professionalism of the lifeboat crew through the eyes of my seven-year-old granddaughter Orla who took such a personal interest in the operation from start to finish.

‘When at sea with small children and the unexpected happens, it is so important to do the right thing. A good ship to shore communications system enabled me to contact Rosslare Coast Guard Radio – which is manned 24/7 – give my exact position and explain the situation. There is an instant response and the system works flawlessly.

‘Kilmore Quay RNLI has a proud history going back several generations. The current incredibly powerful all-weather boat is state of the art in terms of nautical sophistication. We always need to bear in mind that the service is manned by men and women who volunteer as crew members and who are prepared to take to the sea on a rescue mission in the most appalling weather conditions. Nothing will deter them in a real-life threatening emergency.

‘It is so important to remember that this incredible service is funded by voluntary donations. This year Covid-19 has meant the cancellation of the annual Lifeboat Day which is a significant fundraising event for the RNLI so next time you see that lifeboat box on a shop counter – be generous.’

Portrush RNLI has rescued a teenage boy who got into difficulty while jumping into the sea off rocks at Portstewart Head yesterday afternoon.

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat by Belfast Coastguard at 2.42 pm following an initial request to go to the aid of someone in distress off Downhill Beach which subsequently transpired to be a false alarm with good intent. However, once on board, the lifeboat crew were alerted by the Coastguard to a separate incident after a 999 call was made by a member of the public to say a person was in difficulty in the water off Portstewart Head, some five nautical miles from Portrush.

The lifeboat launched under Coxswain Des Austin and with six crew members onboard and made its way to the scene arriving in less than 10 minutes.

Weather conditions at the time were challenging with a Force 6-7 north to northwest wind, some showers, and a rough sea with 2-3m swells. Visibility was good.

As the lifeboat approached the scene, the crew observed a person in the water waving their arms. A teenage boy who was wearing a wetsuit was struggling against an ebbing tide which was pulling him away from the land and out to sea off the west side of Portstewart Head.

The Coxswain manoeuvred the lifeboat close to where the casualty was in the surf and breaking waves while the station’s mechanic donned a dry suit and PPE. A line was then attached to the mechanic who jumped into the water and grabbed the casualty to safety. The remainder of the crew pulled the mechanic and casualty around to the starboard side of the lifeboat as the Coxswain manoeuvred into position.

A line was then attached to the lifeboat mechanic who jumped into the water and grabbed the casualty to safety

The lifeboat crew administered casualty care to make the boy who was showing signs of hypothermia and exhaustion and was suffering from the effects of shock, comfortable, as the lifeboat made its way back to Portrush Harbour. He was then transferred into the care of Coleraine Coastguard and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

Speaking following the call out, Portrush RNLI Coxswain Des Austin said: ‘Conditions were challenging at sea today and time was of the essence. The tide was turning at the time the casualty got into difficulty and the conditions were pulling him out to sea.

The prompt actions of the lifeboat crew saved a life and we would like to wish the casualty well following his ordeal.

‘We would remind anyone planning an activity at sea to always respect the water. Always be prepared, always have the right clothing and safety equipment including a lifejacket or buoyancy aid. Conditions at sea can change quickly and it is important to understand how that affects the area of coastline.

Should you get into difficulty or see someone in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’

Two callouts for Lough Derg RNLI today – the first to two people on a 32ft cruiser aground by the Silver Islands on the Galway shore at the northern end of Lough Derg, and shortly after, a Mayday call to four people on board a 16ft motorboat taking on water in rough weather south of Parker’s Point on the southwestern end of the lake.

At 1.06 pm this afternoon, Sunday, September 13, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier to assist 2 people on a 32ft cruiser reported to be aground by the Silver Islands, inside the red marker ‘Juliet’.

At 1.20 pm the lifeboat launched with helm Eleanor Hooker and crew Steve Smyth, Doireann Kennedy and Chris Parker on board. Visibility was good, and the wind was southwesterly Force 4, gusting Force 5.

As the lifeboat approached Cloondavaun Bay, the volunteer crew could see three vessels on standby in safe water monitoring the casualty vessel.

The lifeboat boat rounded the red navigation mark ‘Juliet’ and, as the water level on the lake is currently lower than usual, navigated a slow, safe route to the casualty vessel.

The lifeboat was alongside the casualty vessel at 1.46 pm. Both people on board were safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets. An RNLI volunteer transferred to the casualty vessel. Once he was satisfied that the vessel was not holed, he set up for a tow.

At 1.59 pm the lifeboat had the cruiser off the rocks and towed out into safe water where drives and rudder were checked and found to be in good working order.

The lifeboat took their crew member back onto the lifeboat and the cruiser made it’s way safely to Cloondavaun Bay Harbour

The lifeboat departed the scene and was back at station at 2.25 pm.

At 4.30 pm Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI to assist 4 people on a 16ft motorboat taking on water in rough weather, and in danger of sinking. At 4.40 pm Lough Derg RNLI launched with helm Eleanor Hooker and crew Ger Egan, Doireann Kennedy and Tom Hayes on board. Winds were southwesterly, Force 5 with a moderate chop.

Given the critical nature of the launch, Rescue 115, the Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue Helicopter took off from their base at Shannon Airport and Killaloe Coast Guard also launched from their base in Killaloe.

As the lifeboat approached Parker’s Point, Rescue 115 hailed the lifeboat to say they had located the casualty vessel and were going to hover close by. At 4.56 pm the lifeboat was alongside the casualty vessel. All four persons were unharmed and wearing their lifejackets. The had deployed their anchor which was holding them off the rocky shore.

Due to the swell swamping their deck, the casualty vessel had taken on a significant amount of water, which the crew were bailing from the bilge. At this time Killaloe Coast Guard arrived on scene and as the casualty vessel’s base was at Killaloe, it was agreed with Valentia Coast Guard that Killaloe Coast Guard would take the casualty vessel back to Killaloe.

Rescue 115 departed the scene to return to its base at Shannon. Lough Derg RNLI departed the scene was back at Station in Dromineer at 5.20 pm.

Peter Kennedy, Deputy Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI praised all the RNLI volunteers for their ‘swift response to the callout. Four people were reported to be in grave and imminent danger, and the efficient shore crew assistance was particularly crucial to a speedy launch of the lifeboat under these circumstances.’

Baltimore RNLI was called out to provide a medical evacuation this afternoon from Sherkin Island off the coast of Baltimore, West Cork.

The volunteer lifeboat crew, under Coxswain Kieran Cotter, launched their all-weather lifeboat at 3.06 pm, following a request from the Irish Coast Guard to provide medical assistance and evacuation to a woman who had sustained an injury following a fall.

The Baltimore all-weather lifeboat crew arrived at Sherkin Island pier at 3.15 pm and reached the casualty at the same time as a First Responder team who were also in the area. An initial assessment was carried out by one of the First Responders and then the voluntary lifeboat crew, assisted by the First Responder team, transferred the casualty onboard the lifeboat.

The lifeboat then returned to the station in Baltimore and the casualty was handed over to the care of HSE Ambulance crew at 4.30 pm.

Conditions at sea during the call out were calm with a south - south-westerly force 3-4 wind, no sea swell and good visibility.

Speaking following the call out, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘If you find yourself in a medical emergency whilst on an island call 999 or 112 and explain to the operator what the nature of the call is. The operator will then make sure that the call is directed to both the Coast Guard and the National Ambulance Service. We would like to thank the First Responders for assisting in this call and we wish the casualty a speedy recovery.’

At 9:11 pm last night (Friday 24 July), Dublin Coast Guard requested Dun Laoghaire Harbour RNLI to assist two people on separate jet skis which had engine issues just off the North Bull wall in Dublin Bay.

The all-weather lifeboat was launched at 9:20 pm under Coxswain Stuart Kane with five crew on board and made its way to the scene arriving at 09:35 pm. The all-weather lifeboat crew assessed the situation on arrival and saw that the two jet skis had drifted north towards Bull Wall and into shallower water which was out of the all-weather lifeboats reach. The crew swiftly made a decision and requested the help from the stations smaller inshore lifeboat “Realt Na Mara” which was launched at 09:55 pm.

Arriving on scene at 10:10 pm the inshore lifeboat took the two vessels in tow, after nearly two hours at sea the two lifeboats arrived back in Dun Laoghaire Harbour at 23:20 pm.

Weather conditions at the time were described as good with a slight wind and good visibility.

Speaking following the call out, Liam Mullan, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘ The volunteer crew’s involved were happy to have located the two people quickly last night with light fading fast in an area with a lot of shipping traffic and return them to shore safely. It's important to remind everyone to make sure that their vessel engines are thoroughly checked regulatory by a professional before taking to the water and always have a suitable means of communication to call the Irish Coast Guard for help.’

RNLI Volunteer Peter Byrne participated in his first callout as Wicklow all-weather lifeboat launched shortly after 10:05 pm on Wednesday night (15 July), after a member of the public reported seeing a windsurfer having problems getting ashore near Brittas Bay beach as darkness fell.

As the lifeboat proceeded south to the last known reported position, more information was relayed from the Coast Guard and it was confirmed that the craft was, in fact, a trimaran.

The lifeboat was on scene at 10:23 pm and began a search, conditions in the area were calm with good visibility. At 10:35 pm contact was made with a solo sailor on a 16-foot trimaran near Potter’s Point. He had secured his boat on the beach and was waiting for the tide to turn before resuming passage north and no assistance was required.

Once Coxswain Nick Keogh was satisfied the sailor required no further assistance, the lifeboat was stood down by the Coast Guard and returned to station.

Following the call out, Wicklow RNLI Press Officer Tommy Dover said: ‘We would like to commend the vigilant member of the public who contacted the Coast Guard, fortunately, the sailor did not require assistance.’

The crew on the callout were Coxswain Nick Keogh, Mechanic Brendan Copeland, Tommy MacAulay, Graham Fitzgerald, Connie ‘O Gara and Peter Byrne.

Last Thursday and Friday were busy days for Bangor Coastguard on Belfast Lough with an incident on both days.

On Thursday evening the Coastguard and the Police Service investigated reports of concern for a kayaker seen the Ballywalter area in failing light. Ballywalter is a small village on the east coast of Co Down with a long award-winning sandy beach and a small harbour which partially dries out.

By the time the team arrived, it was already dark, and together with their Police colleagues, a plan was put in place. Coastguards searched the beach area while the Police spoke with the first informant and checked the area around the Harbour. The Police Helicopter was also requested but unable to attend, so the Police fixed-wing aircraft was asked to assist.

As one of the team was completing their search, they saw a kayaker round the Harbour wall. After a quick conversation, it was established that this was the person they had been looking for and he was given safety advice and both Police and Coastguards stood down.

The next day (Friday) the team was tasked along with Bangor Lifeboat to a yacht with engine problems between Bangor and Groomsport. They kept visual on the vessel while the Lifeboat set up a tow and headed for Bangor where the vessel and the lifeboat were met in the harbour by Coastguard personnel.