Irish lifeboats rescued 1,041 people in 2012

Irish lifeboats rescued 1,041 people in 2012, new figures show. Boats from all 44 Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) stations made rescues, of which pleasure craft accounted for 482 call-outs and fishing vessels 115.

Dún Laoghaire RNLI brought the highest number of people to safety with 76 individuals rescued over 46 call-outs. Kilmore Quay RNLI in Co Wexford brought 71 people to safety on 29 call-outs. The busiest RNLI lifeboat station last year was Bangor in Co Down, which launched 53 times and rescued 53 people. The RNLI’s newest station at Coosan Point, Athlone on Lough Ree brought 18 people to safety.

In comparison with 2011, 2012 saw a slight drop in lifeboat launches from 983 to 939 but a rise in people rescued from 906 to 1,041.

RNLI operations manager Martyn Smith said the charity’s crews, 95 per cent of whom are volunteers, brought reassurance to those in trouble.

“This is something the RNLI is very proud of and will continue to provide through the generosity of the public,” he said. “I would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all those who support the RNLI, whether by giving up their time or by making a donation.”