RNLI lifeboats break the 1,000 call-out barrier

RNLI lifeboats last year, for the first time, broke the 1,000-launch barrier and brought to safety 1,094 people.

Latest figures from the charity also showed the busiest RNLI lifeboat station in 2010 was Enniskillen, with its inshore crews on Lough Erne launching 64 times and rescuing 82 people.

Crosshaven in Cork, was the next busiest station with crews responding to 54 call-outs which resulted in 67 people brought to safety from the sea.

RNLI Dún Laoghaire’s lifeboats launched 50 times while the Aran Islands all-weather lifeboat launched 49 times. Between them, both stations potentially saved 107 lives.

Kilmore Quay lifeboat station in Wexford, which last year received a new Tamar class lifeboat worth €3 million, rescued 85 people during 43 call outs.

A total of 130 call outs were to persons in the sea; 329 launches were to power pleasure craft and 109 were to fishing vessels.

Divisional Inspector for the RNLI in Ireland, Martyn Smith thanked all the volunteers for their hard work during the year and also praised the public for continuing to donate to the cause.

“It’s been another busy year for Ireland’s 55 RNLI lifeboats with lifeboat launches topping 1,000 for the first time last year.

“Every one of the rescues carried out by the RNLI in 2010 was only made possible due to the incredible generosity of the public, even in these difficult times.

“We are absolutely determined to make the best possible use of the funds that the public entrust to us — and we regularly re-examine everything we do,” he said.

Mr Smith said continued support from the public ensured the RNLI would ensure lives continued to be saved at sea.

The RNLI is a charity independent of state support and is reliant on donations.

It is seeking public support for its “own call for help”, asking people to support RNLI SOS Day on Friday.

* Contact www.rnli.ie or telephone [phone].