Donate now

Fethard RNLI responds to false alarm with good intent

Lifeboats News Release

Volunteer lifeboat crew at Fethard RNLI were requested by the Coast Guard to launch their inshore lifeboat at 5.10pm on Thursday evening (4 July) following a report that two kayaks were in difficulty off Hook Head.

Fethard RNLI launch at Slade Habour

RNLI/Mark Brennan

Fethard RNLI launch at Slade Habour

There was a strong force 5 south-westerly wind and choppy sea conditions, when vigilant members of the public raised the alarm concerned for the welfare of the kayakers heading west below Hook Lighthouse.

The lifeboat, helmed by John Colfer and with crew members Peter Mullen and Nadia Blanchfield onboard, launched at Slade Harbour and made its way to Hook Head beginning to search the coastline. The inshore lifeboat, with the assistance of Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 117, eventually found the two kayakers on Baginbun Beach having successfully navigated their way there. The very experienced sea farers were navigating their way around the Irish coast and were well equipped with food, means of hydration and communications equipment.

Speaking after the call-out, volunteer Helm John Colfer said ‘It was great to find the two kayakers safe and sound, drinking tea! They were very well equipped and very experienced. They advised us that they will let the Coast Guard know their future movements to avoid another call-out.’ John went on to say ‘We were glad to find these lads well, but we would like to thank the members of the public who made the call. It is better to err on the side of caution. If you do get into difficulty or see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.