2 days ago
Wexford lifeboat volunteers to stay afloat for 24 hours to raise funds for a new lifeboat
Crew members, Conor Burke and Tom O Connor will spend 24 hours immersed in the water at Cahore Harbour from Friday, August 22 into Saturday August 23, to raise funds to buy a needed lifeboat.
Conor Burke has been a member of the lifeboat service for the last 10 years and spoke about their need for a new lifeboat. 'I've been with the Inshore lifeboats for the last 10 years. Our boat is coming to end of life.
'The normal life for a boat is 10 years. So, we're well over the lifespan of it,' Conor said.
The rescue service are raising funds to purchase a reconditioned lifeboat as Conor said the price of a new lifeboat is out of the volunteer groups reach. 'The price for a new boat is well over €100,000. So, we've opted to buy a reconditioned boat. A reconditioned boat is almost €30,000.
'Ideally, we would love a new one, but I just don't think we would be able to get that sort of money. We're aiming for something that's realistic,' he added.
Conor said the Cahore Inshore Rescue is a crucial service for the area and they have already had three call outs in the last month.
'It's not a luxury, it's a vital service.'
Cahore Inshore Rescue Service is a fully volunteer led lifeboat and lifeguard organisation, saving lives along the Southeast coastline of Ireland. 'We're a voluntary organisation, so all equipment needed has to be gotten through fundraising,' he added.
Tom and Conor will both enter the at Cahore Harbour and we'll be immersed in the water for 24 hours until noon on the Saturday. He will also be joined by helm Tom O Connor who is an experienced sailor
Conor said he has never done something like this before but has professional diving experience to back him up. 'I'm used to being in the waters for long hours anyways.'
Conor said they hope to broadcast a live stream on the day, where locals can view the 24 hour event and watch the progress of Conor and Tom as they stay afloat in the waters of Wexford. 'We're hoping to do a live stream of it to make sure we're not sneaking off to the pub,' Conor said.
The Gofundme posted has recently surpassed €5,000 in donations, which Conor said the service is thankful for. 'We're on our way, were really trying to reach out to businesses for contributions.
'We just want to reach as many people as we can. Everything is greatly accepted,' Conor said.
Cahore Inshore Rescue Service was founded in 1995 following the tragic drowning of a local woman. Since then, the 13 to 14 volunteers have worked to protect both locals and visitors who swim in the area.
