Permanent replacement lifeboat for Portrush

Friday 18th April

The RNLI will provide a permanent replacement Severn class lifeboat for Portrush following the decision not to repair the Katie Hannan, which was severely damaged during a rescue off Rathlin Island last January. The damage sustained to the hull of the Katie Hannan during the atrocious weather, which followed the grounding and prevented recovery for two weeks, has resulted in her being found to be beyond economic repair.

A Severn class lifeboat from the RNLI's relief fleet will continue to ensure that the ring of lifeboat cover around the Irish coast remains unbroken until a permanent replacement Severn class lifeboat is allocated to Portrush later this year. The future of the Katie Hannan is still under consideration and it is possible that she may be used in some way for training and education.

The RNLI has also completed its inquiry into the events that led to the grounding of the lifeboat and concluded that no negligence was attributable to the lifeboat crew for their actions in rendering assistance at night, in difficult conditions, on a call out to a vessel in difficulty.

The grounding occurred during the preparation and manoeuvring associated with connecting a tow to the casualty vessel, the Catriona IV, which was in difficulty off the harbour on Rathlin Island. When the grounding occurred the lifeboat was manoeuvring close inshore, the decision having been taken to provide close cover to the casualty.

Colin Williams, RNLI Divisional Inspector Ireland, says: 'Grounding is a constant threat when lifeboats operate close to the shore in shallow water. All our lifeboats are designed to withstand grounding but not even the strongest lifeboat could survive being repeatedly driven against rocks by rough seas and storm force winds over a period of several days.

'This incident is a timely reminder of the unpredictability of the sea and the pressure that our volunteers may face at any time when they launch to help those in danger on the sea. Lifeboat operations are often difficult and sometimes dangerous. We train our volunteer crews to make life-saving decisions in difficult circumstances and this incident has provided important lessons for all our lifeboat crews.

'The RNLI thanks everyone at Portrush lifeboat station, Larne lifeboat station, members of the Ballycastle and Rathlin Island communities and all those who assisted with the rescue operation and subsequent recovery.'

Karl O'Neill joins in

Duck Dive In Aid Of RNLI 2008

Monday 17th March

If it's St Patrick's Day then it's time for the Annual Duck Dive in Portstewart in aid of Portrush Lifeboats.

Today was a beautiful day for the divers and as usual the 2 lifeboats from Portrush went out to support the crowds. Chairman Rosemary Bell and Operations Manager Robin Cardwell were along with the Duck Divers helping them in and out of the water.

Robin set off a flare to get the fun started and they were off.

At one stage young crewmember Karl O'Neill jumped in to prove that the crew are prepared to have a bit of fun as well!

The rest of crew and operations team watched from a safe distance on the relief lifeboat.

The crew would like to thank everyone who took part and to Henry, Charley and Philip for their organisation once again! Pictures are in the Photo Gallery.

Portrush Lifeboat Crew back in Action

Tuesday 19th February

The lifeboat crew were in action twice yesterday. On Monday 18th at 04.30 they were called to a rescue off the rocks a Portstewart, to a youth who was reportedly on the rocks. A helicopter was deployed with heat seeking equipment to assist. The person subsequently turned up safe and well.

The same evening evening at 22.30 hours the Coastguard requested a launch to Rathlin Island to bring a sick child off the island to Ballycastle. Cox Willie McAuley was at the helm on both occasions.

The crew agreed that it was good to be back in action on the new lifeboat the Margaret Joan and Fred Nye.

Katie Hannan On Rocks

30th January 2008

Katie Hannan stranded at Rathlin 30th Jan

On the night of Tuesday 29th January the All weather Lifeboat 'The Katie Hannan' was left stranded on rocks at Rathlin Island whilst responding to a shout.

Anthony Chambers, Station Mechanic, Robin Cardwell, LOM along with RNLI experts from Dublin are at the scene to assess damage.

All crew are safe and no injuries sustained.

We'll keep you updated as events unfold

Update Wed 1400 hours

Significant Damage has been sustained. Tug Boat from Foyle has arrived at Rathlin Island and along with Larne Lifeboat is planning to get the Katie Hannan off the island and into Ballycastle.

The crew, operations team and management at Portrush Lifeboat Station wish to thank everyone who have called with good wishes and offers of help.

Update Wed 1600 hours

Due to adverse weather conditions the operation to rescue Katie Hannan has been stood down for to-day. Emergency personnel have been airlifted off the boat.

Portrush Lifeboat Station is being covered by the ILB Lough Swilly and Islay Lifeboats.

Relief boat making its way to Rathlin 1st Feb

Update Thurs 1300 hours

The Katie Hannan is still on Rathlin Island but holding up well considering the pounding she's taking.

We realise that some of you are worried about environmental issues, but we are consulting with Environmental Heritage in relation to getting the fuel off the boat. The risk of pollution is low as the fuel tanks are watertight and airtight and located well away from any potential damage.

Unfortunately the weather is against us to day but the situation is being assessed on an hourly basis.

We have posted some pictures on site taken by Crewmember Kelly Allen.

Once again the crew and operations team at the station would like to thank our friends in other stations, supporters and other agencies for their offers of help and support.

Update Friday 1300 hours

The Katie Hannan sustained further significant damage last night. All her compartments have now filled with water. A crew from Portrush has left to go to Ballycastle with a view to travelling to Rathlin Island this afternoon in order to protect essential equipment and to assess damage.

The RNLI are working with Environmental Heritage and another company in order to get the fuel tanks off the boat.

A new Severn class lifeboat is on her way from Poole and should be on station by Sunday 3rd February.

RNLB Margaret Joan and Fred Nye

Update Sunday 3rd Feb

A New Severn Class Lifeboat the RNLB Margaret Joan and Fred Nye has arrived at Portrush to cover for the Katie Hannan.

Katie Hannan has sustained serious and extensive damage to the underside of the hull, but despite this and the heavy pounding she has taken large parts of the structure are intact and the vessel is not thought to be in danger of breaking up.

All fluids and oils have been removed safely without spillage or environmental damage. Also all the lifeboats portable equipment was carefully removed and stored ashore. It is hoped that the Katie Hannan can be removed intact but this will be dependant on the weather.

Once again thanks for all the emails, calls and messages of support to the crew. It has been overwhelming.

Update Thursday 7th Feb

At present the Katie Hannan is still on Rathlin Island. A crewmember from the station is with her at all times. Staff from Divisional Base in Dublin and from HQ in Poole are still in Ballycastle working with various agencies deciding on the best course of action for recovery.

The crew are overwhelmed with the messages of support and e-mails that have been coming in via our website and other means and we are building a portfolio of these for the station archives.

The LOM Robin Cardwell, the crew and the Operations Team would like to thank Larne Lifeboat Station, The Morton Family in Ballycastle, Adrian Parke, and all the local communities for their help and support during this difficult time.

Inspecting the damage

Update Friday 15th Feb

Everything is in place today for the removal of The Katie Hannan off Rathlin Island. The RNLI technicians and operations staff from Poole and Dublin have been with Katie since the incident and have been working towards this day. Liam Smith, a crewmember at Portrush Station, has also stayed with her to assist, and another two crew have joined him today.

The LOM (Lifeboat Operations Manager for Portrush) Robin Cardwell and LPO (Lifeboat Press Office) Judy Barr went out last Saturday to see the operation first hand with Michael Vlasto, Operations Director from Poole.

A barge 'The Terra Marique' is on her way to Rathlin in an attempt to float Katie off the rocks at high water this afternoon.

Again thank you to everyone who has contacted us via letter, telephone or e-mail wishing Katie all the best. The crew and operations team has appreciated all your support. All messages are in the boathouse for crew to read as they come in and we have tried to answer everyone as promptly as possible.

We'll keep the website updated as information comes in from Rathlin.

13:00 : Barge, Tugs move into place to align with The Katie Hannan.

13:45 : Katie Hannan floating off the rocks towards the barge. Everyone is holding their breaths!

16:00 : Katie Hannan was successfully floated onto the barge and is making her way for an overnight stop in Ballycastle. She will then move onto Plymouth on Saturday 16th February. Thanks to everyone involved in todays successful operation!

Katie Hannan floating into the barge (photo: Tom McDonnell/RNLI)

Update Saturday 16th Feb

Katie Hannan has left Rathlin Island. It was a very emotional experience to watch her coming off the rocks and be guided by the Dora Foster McDougall towards the barge 'Terra Marique'. The lifeboat then floated into the enormous barge and disappeared. The barge then made its way to Ballycastle to be made ready for the sea passage to Plymouth, which is planned to commence this evening (16th).

The passage is likely to take 4 days (450miles at 5 kts). On arrival she will be inspected and a decision made as to her future.

The process to recover Katie has been long and complicated and the LOM, Crew and Operations team at Portrush would like to thank everyone involved in the recovery operation.

Both boats out on a practice

Our friends in Portstewart who organise the Annual Duck Dive on St Patrick's Day raised £6,295.50! Thanks to all who take part, organise behind the scenes etc. we really appreciate the support. See you on the 17^th March 2008!

The Raft Race Season is upon us once again and the Committee are hard at work to organising RR08. Rules and application forms should be ready around Easter, but you could start building Rafts any time.

We have a new Lifeboat Operations Manager at the Station after the retirement in June of James Heaney. Robin Cardwell has taken on the role and is getting to grips with the job.

Please get in touch if there is anything you'd like to know about Portrush Lifeboat Station. We'd love to hear from any of you who would like to take part in the Belfast Marathon, either relay teams or doing the full marathon for the RNLI

Any queries or ideas for fundraising please don't hesitate to contact us!

Telephone - 02870823201
Or e-mail - judy@portrushlifeboat.com