Crosshaven lifeboat is Ireland’s busiest

By Leo McMAHON Saturday November 7th, 2009

Statistics released for the summer period of June, July and August showed Crosshaven as the busiest RNLI Inshore lifeboat (ILB) in the Republic of Ireland with 15 calls for help.

In the island of Ireland, Bangor was the busiest station with 31 call-outs. The large population of leisure boats in and around Crosshaven kept the statistics high with mechanical failure being one of the main causes of lifeboat launches. In total, launches were up 12% on last year (424 times in summer period).

Commenting on the figures, RNLI Training Divisional Inspector Owen Medland said: ‘This increase in summer lifeboat launches shows a strong need for continued sea safety messages to all water users and also that the demand on our volunteer lifeboat crews remains high all year round. The busiest lifeboat crews this summer were from all around Ireland and included popular tourist destinations.

‘We never know when the next call for assistance will come from but we do know that our lifeboat crews will be ready.’

Crosshaven Lifeboat station has a dedicated Sea Safety Team that offers FREE sea safety advice to all leisure sailors and can be contacted at rnliseasafety@eircom.net. It’s a service provided by volunteers, 24 hours a day, 365 days a week. Only one in ten has a professional maritime background. The RNLI provides the best possible lifeboats, equipment and training to ensure volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards can do their job in the safest way possible.

The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations with 43 in Ireland. It is independent of the Coast Guard 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 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.