28-04-2025
Wexford cruise passengers enjoy exhilarating RNLI life saving exhibition during fundraiser
Prior to the sailing the weather was mixed but once all were aboard in the warmth of the salon, the Barrow Princess slipped its berth and proceeded down the River Barrow. It wasn't long before the weather began to warm, leading to passengers exploring the upper deck to take in the scenery at the low end of the tide where birds could be seen feeding along the shoreline, this changed on the return journey with the rising tide making for a different scenic picture.
Landmarks along the route were observed as the Barrow Princes passed under the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy bridge, which was a first for most on the trip, similarly was passing through the much older Barrow Railway bridge were the Barrow Princess was met by the RNLI Fethard on Sea Inshore D21 and crew who carried out a display of a 'man overboard' training exercise.
The display of how the team carries out their work highlighted to the passengers how suddenly anyone in the water can go out of sight, despite having a view from the height of the upper deck. They marvelled at the speed the lifeboat crew recovered the man overboard in choppy waters with poor visibility.
The speedy recovery exhibition was evidence of the hours of training and commitment from the RNLI members. Throughout the exercise they were using a grid search pattern to locate the man overboard without a lifejacket, which also showed the importance of wearing a floatation jacket when on the water. Hugh Burke of the RNLI Fethard on Sea lifeboat station gave a full account of what was unfolding in the exercise over mic for all to hear on the Barrow Princess.
As a fundraiser initiated by cruise tour owner and skipper, Declan Bates, the company has not accepted any profits from the tickets of the tour and redirected them to the RNLI of which the proceeds will be put towards training and equipment in ensuring the safety of the crew in their voluntary role of saving lives at sea.
While Declan couldn't be present on the day of the event, due to running trips out to the Saltee Islands, a presentation was accepted on his behalf by Skipper, Mick Kineen, and Suzanne Finn of the Barrow Princess.
While onboard, another special presentation was made by John Dimond to Willie McCormick for his involvement in the community from running local table quizzes, being a member of the brass band and local pantomime.
The next opportunity to fundraise for the RNLI is the Mayday Mile, which is just a few days away. Similarly, the Aldi Mayday Yellow Wellie will be on May 1 in selected stores around the country, and more details can be found on if you wish to get involved.
