Castletownbere’s all-weather lifeboat ‘Roy & Barbara Harding’ was called out on Bank Holiday Monday after a member of the public sighted a red distress flare. The flare was observed from Ballylickey appearing to be somewhere between Whiddy Island and the mainland.

The lifeboat was launched at 2.58 pm in calm conditions under coxswain B. O’Driscoll, and crew B. Gonnelly, M. Martin-Sullivan, P. O’Conor, S. O’Sullivan, A. Sparrow, M. O’Donoghue, & M. Murphy. The lifeboat conducted an intensive search of the area and the coastline of Bantry Bay. In addition, communication with a number of yachts and ships in the area confirmed that there did not appear to be an emergency situation. Once satisfied that no further search was required, the lifeboat returned to Castletownbere and was ready for service again by 5.20.

As the summer approaches, all those using small craft should familiarize themselves in emergency procedures especially in using V.H.F. to call the Coastguard Radio on channel 16 which is the channel designated for emergency calls. Members of the public who wish to report an emergency at sea should dial 999 or 112 and ask specifically for "Marine Emergency Services". The public is also reminded that the making of hoax calls can put lives seriously at risk.

The R.N.L.I. has recently appointed Mr Brian O’Driscoll as full-time Coxswain to Castletownbere Lifeboat Station. Over the last 12 months, the R.N.L.I. has appointed full-time coxswains at Ballyglass, Achill Island and Ballycotton, adding to the existing stations in a similiar situation namely Courtmacsherry, Valentia, and Arranmore.

The Inspector of Lifeboats for Ireland, Mr Colin Williams, said that increasing personnel, training and maintenance, as well as Safety legislation has led the R.N.L.I. to make the investment in a second full-time staff member at more all-weather stations in recent times. The introduction of a new scheme of competency based training for all crew has also greatly added to the workload. Mr Williams went on to say that the appointment of a full-time Coxswain will reduce the man hours in a year where other voluntary crew members have to arrange their personal lives to cover this key position which needs to be manned 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Mr O’Driscoll, who has been fishing for many years, has succeeded Mr Tony O’Sullivan as Coxswain, and has acted Coxswain in a voluntary capacity for the past 18 months,. He will now work full-time at the station in Dinish Island with mechanic Brendan Gonnolly, and will be on call 24 hours a day. Another well-known fisherman, Mr Michael Martin-Sullivan as been appointed Deputy Coxswain.