RNLI Hero Coxswain and Crew Honoured for Daring Rescue in Hurricane Conditions
The fearless Coxswain Eamonn O’Rourke is set to receive the prestigious Thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum. Meanwhile, the entire Rosslare Harbour lifeboat crew involved in a brutal rescue will each be awarded Vellum Service Certificates.
Braving 10-Metre Seas and Force 12 Winds
The rescue happened amid some of the worst weather conditions the crew had ever faced. Battling monstrous 10-metre waves and hurricane-force 1 winds, O’Rourke’s expert boat handling and leadership saved lives against the odds.
- Rescue took place in vicious force 12 conditions
- Crew displayed fearless teamwork and unmatched courage
- Operation lasted a gruelling four hours on October 16, 2017
High Stakes at Sea: Yacht in Peril
The emergency call came at 10am from the skipper of a 10-metre Dehler yacht, Second 1, en route from the UK to Malahide. The yacht’s crew struggled to control their vessel as the storm worsened. Originally bound for Rosslare, the skipper made a desperate bid to reach Arklow for shelter.
Rosslare Harbour RNLI sprang into action, launching their lifeboat to battle the roaring seas. In a vital move, the lifeboat crew deployed a drogue to slow the yacht and then towed it to safety—a feat demanding expert skill and nerve under savage weather.
Second Honour in Recent Years for Rosslare RNLI
This award marks the second accolade for Rosslare Harbour RNLI, following their Gallantry Award for rescuing nine lives off Hook Head during the Lily B incident—an operation that prevented a major environmental disaster.
The heroic lifeboat crew on this callout included Coxswain Eamonn O’Rourke, Mechanic Michael Nicholas, and crew members Art Sheil, Michael Ferguson, Keith Morris, Padraig Quirke, Stephen Breen, and Richard Parish.
Words from Rosslare RNLI Boss
“While no lifeboat crew expects any reward, this is a great honour for our station,” said Lifeboat Operations Manager David Maloney. “The conditions that day were horrific—but when a Mayday goes out, our crew goes. This rescue demanded skill, seamanship, and patience. We’re proud of our dedicated volunteers. When the call came, 18 crew members responded immediately. Without their commitment, the outcome would have been very different.”
