Large increase in lifeboat callouts

RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews in Ireland were kept busy this summer, with the charity’s lifeboats launching 571 times during the months of June, July and August. The figure represents an increase of 43 per cent on the previous summer.

While many people were enjoying the prolonged sunshine and the hottest summer for a number of years, Irish RNLI lifeboat crews were out helping those in trouble around the Irish coast and on inland waters.

Some lifeboat stations showed a large increase in their call outs on the same period last year with Skerries, Wicklow, and Fenit lifeboat crews, which launched 17 times each, doubling their launches from last year.

The lifeboat crews were involved in a number of dramatic rescues this summer.

Dun Laoghaire RNLI all-weather lifeboat and Howth RNLI inshore lifeboat rescued six people on Dublin Bay in August after their boat capsized and they were clinging to the upturned hull.

Gareth Morrison, RNLI Divisional Operations Manager, said:

‘With more people travelling to the coast over the summer months RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews were busy keeping people safe.

“The commitment shown by our lifesavers that launched at all hours of the day and night in various conditions was outstanding.

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Mr Morrison thanked the RNLI’s supporters and fundraisers.

“Without their kind generosity and hard work we would not be able to equip and train our lifesavers or help so many people in trouble at sea and on inland waters,

? he added.