The Kilmore Quay lifeboat crew are currently undergoing intensive training on their new €3 million Tamar lifeboat, which only arrived on station last Wednesday.  The lifeboat was on scene in twelve minutes and took the fishing vessel under tow into Kilmore Quay harbour.

Along with Coxswain Eugene Kehoe, lifeboat mechanic Brian Kehoe and two Kilmore Quay lifeboat crew were Divisional Inspector Gareth Morrison and Divisional Engineer David Murrin, who also took part in the callout. The Tamar is currently at sea every day for training to ensure all the volunteer crew members are fully trained on the new lifeboat.

Commenting on the first callout for the Tamar Deputy Divisional Inspector Gareth Morrison said,  " The new lifeboat performed superbly.  The extra speed in responding to callouts along with the improved radio direction finding equipment helped us locate the casualty vessel very quickly.  On a bad night and in challenging conditions this will make a huge difference for the lifeboat volunteers."

Over fifty percent of Kilmore Quay's callouts are to fishing vessels.  The new Tamar class lifeboat is 16.3 metres in length with a maximum speed of 25 knots compared to the 14.3 metres of the Tyne class lifeboat stationed at Kilmore Quay, which has a maximum speed of 18 knots.  The lifeboat is self-righting and is fitted with an integrated electronics Systems and Information Management System, which allows the lifeboat crew to monitor, operate and control many of the boats systems from shock mitigating seats.

Photo: courtesy of Kilmore Quay RNLI