Last year saw RNLI lifeboats in Ireland launch 980 times to a variety of callouts. More than 900 people were rescued over the course of the year by volunteer lifeboat crews who spent 9,826 hours on service at sea. In Mayo, the RNLI in Achill launched 14 times during 2011 and assisted eight people. In Ballyglass, six all weather lifeboats were launched, five inshore, and a total of nine people were assisted.
Commenting on the 2011 statistics, RNLI deputy divisional inspector Gareth Morrison said: “Our lifeboat volunteers continue to show selfless dedication and commitment to saving lives. Some stations are extremely busy while others have less callouts but spend long hours at sea in awful conditions.”
The inspector continued: “The work of the volunteer lifeboat crews could not be made possible without the generosity of the public who in difficult times continue to support Irish lifeboat crews. While these figures give an interesting insight into search and rescue by the RNLI on Irish waters they are by no means the full story. As well as working to save lives at sea the RNLI provides other programmes and services for the public including sea safety advice and clinics, education roadshows, and visits to lifeboat stations.”
