Gallantry awards for RNLI crews who saved nine lives in 12-hour rescue

The operation saw the Lily B, a 100-metre general cargo vessel with nine crew on board and carrying 4,000 tonnes of coal, lose all power two nautical miles from Hook Head.

Three RNLI crews are to receive gallantry awards for their role in rescuing nine people on a cargo vessel off Hook Head.

The coxswains of the three crews in Dunmore East, Kilmore Quay and Rosslare Harbour are to receive RNLI Bronze Medals for Gallantry – one of the highest awards presented by the lifesaving charity - while the volunteer lifeboat crews who responded to the callout will each receive Medal Certificates.