FENIT RNLI responded to two callouts in the past week where on one occasion a vessel had to be towed to safety.

On Tuesday evening, July 17, Fenit RNLI lifeboat responded to a call for assistance at Sauce Creek located between Brandon and Ballydavid.

The all weather lifeboat was launched and went to the scene where a vessel had gotten into difficulty. The vessel was towed to Brandon Pier and all persons were returned to shore safely.

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Then in the early hours of this morning, following a call for assistance from Valentia Coast Guard at 1.23am, the volunteer crew of Fenit RNLI launched the All Weather lifeboat (ILB) with a full crew of seven on board having responded within minutes to their pager alert callout system.

Reports had been received that a red flare distress signal had been seen in Ballydavid, West Kerry near Smerwick Harbour.

A thorough search of the area was conducted by Fenit RNLI for a number of hours but no signs of persons in danger was found.

Valentia Coast Guard and the Fenit RNLI were satisfied that the search had been very comprehensive and stood down the lifeboat. The Fenit RNLI lifeboat returned to Fenit at 5am this morning.

Lifeboat Operations Manager at Fenit RNLI, Gerard O’Donnell, once again stated “to be extra vigilant while using the sea particularly during this spell of good weather and added if at any time you see someone in trouble in the water or need assistance at sea, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard”.