Fenit RNLI

Fenit RNLI Established 1879

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History


Here are some interesting facts about the station. Fenit Lifeboat Station

•1879 A lifeboat station was established and a boathouse was built at Outward Fenit
•1892 The lifeboat station name, known at the time as Tralee Bay, was changed to Fenit
•1920 A Bronze Medal was awarded to 12-year-old John F O'Mahony for bravely attempting to save a friend at Lighthouse Point, Fenit.
•1928 The l

ifeboat was placed on moorings in the harbour.
•1930 Bronze Medals were awarded to John Nolan, John Cahill and Joseph Cahill, fishermen of Tralee, for saving the crew of three of the steamship Co-operator.

•1933 Silver watches were presented to Coxswain Thomas Crowley and Mechanic John Doyle for an arduous 17½ hour service searching for the steamship Heilo.

•1969 The station was closed.
•1993 The RNLI’s Committee of Management made a decision to re-establish an all weather lifeboat station for 12 months evaluation.
•1994 The Arun class lifeboat Ralph and Bonella Farrant was placed on service on 19 August.
•1996 Framed Letters of Thanks were awarded to Deputy Launching Authority Gerard O’Donnell, Assistant Mechanic Niall Hickey and Deputy Second Coxswain John Moriarty for their prompt actions when they launched the boarding boat to rescue a young man who had fallen from a viaduct. The man was found unconscious. He was quickly pulled into the boat and resuscitated but on reaching the pier steps his pulse ceased. He was successfully revived and taken to hospital where he fully recovered.
•1999 A new Trent class lifeboat, ON-1239 Robert Hywel Jones Williams, was placed on service on 28 February. This lifeboat was funded from the generous bequest of Robert Hywel Jones Williams. An inshore lifeboat (ILB) station was established for evaluation trials and a D class was placed on station on 22 June.

•2001 The D class lifeboat, D-561 Cursitor Street, was placed on service on 11 March.

•2002 A Centenary Vellum was awarded to the station to commemorate 100 years as a lifeboat station. Station honours


In its 130 year history Fenit Lifeboat Station has been awarded with:
3 Framed Letters of Thanks
1 Silver medal
4 Bronze medals

RNLI respond to false alarm with good intent following report of swimmer thought to be overdue Fenit RNLI was diverted f...
17/06/2026

RNLI respond to false alarm with good intent following report of swimmer thought to be overdue

Fenit RNLI was diverted from a routine training exercise on Monday evening (15 June) at the request of the Irish Coast Guard after a swimmer was thought to be overdue off Fenit Island Beach, locally known as the “Back Beach”.

The inshore lifeboat helmed by Padraig Brick and with crew members Linda O’Loughlin and Shane Mulcair onboard, was requested at 8.13pm after the alarm was raised by a concerned member of the public. The lifeboat crew who were training within Fenit Harbour at the time, immediately made their way to the scene. Sea conditions were choppy and there was a south westerly Force 3 wind.

The swimmer was thought to be overdue at Fenit Island Beach and concern was raised after a number of personal items were observed on the shore.

As the crew arrived on scene, they were updated that the swimmer had been located safe and well. The lifeboat was subsequently stood down and returned to exercise.

Speaking following the call out, Fenit RNLI Helm Padraig Brick said: ‘This proved to be a false alarm with good intent this evening but we want to commend the member of the public who raised the alarm as that is always the right thing to do if you think someone is in difficulty - we would much rather launch and find all is well than not launch at all. We would also like to thank our colleagues in the Coast Guard and Banna Sea Rescue who were also training in the area at the time.

‘We would encourage anyone planning a dip or swim to not go alone, to wear a bright coloured cap, have a tow float, and carry a means of communication such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch. Should you get into difficulty or see someone in trouble, call 999 or 112 and to ask for the Coast Guard.

RNLI
Irish Coast Guard
Radio Kerry
Kerry's Eye
The Kerryman
Traleetoday.ie

“Autism Makes Me creative,  RNLI Makes me smile“- Dylan Cookson.Thank you Dylan for the lovely artwork, all in Fenit RNL...
16/06/2026

“Autism Makes Me creative, RNLI Makes me smile“- Dylan Cookson.

Thank you Dylan for the lovely artwork, all in Fenit RNLI loved it 🥰 keep up the great work and thanks for sharing your positive vibes.

Dylan Cookson
RNLI

👨‍🔧 👨‍🔧 👨‍🔧 👨‍🔧 ⚙️ Four crew members from Fenit RNLI station, travelled to Poole this week to undertake Mechanics Pre-Co...
11/06/2026

👨‍🔧 👨‍🔧 👨‍🔧 👨‍🔧 ⚙️
Four crew members from Fenit RNLI station, travelled to Poole this week to undertake Mechanics Pre-Commissioning Training as preparations continue for the station’s transition to the new Shannon class lifeboat.

Pictured are Deputy Mechanic Terry Sheehy, Trainee Deputy Mechanic Lee Sugrue, Senior Station Technician Kevin Honeyman, and Trainee Deputy Mechanic Shane Mulcair.

The Shannon is the most advanced class of lifeboat in the RNLI fleet, and the team received hands-on training on its state-of-the-art Hamilton waterjets and Scania engines. The course forms an important part of ensuring the station’s mechanics are fully prepared to operate and maintain the new lifeboat when it enters service.

We wish Terry, Lee, Kevin, and Shane every success as they continue their training and look forward to welcoming the Shannon to the station.

Photo Credit Fenit RNLI

RNLI College
RNLI

📣Local Primary Schools 📣🌊 Our RNLI water safety team is inviting all primary schools to join a FREE 45 minute webinar ah...
08/06/2026

📣Local Primary Schools 📣

🌊 Our RNLI water safety team is inviting all primary schools to join a FREE 45 minute webinar ahead of summer.

You can choose from three dates,
🗓Thursday, 18 June,
🗓Tuesday, 23 June or
🗓 Friday 26 June,
with each running from 10-10.45am.

🛟 The webinar will cover key water safety messages to help children have fun and stay safe in and around the water. This is an ideal refresher for primary school students just before the summer break.

🙋‍♀️ The webinar will be 30 minutes of learning, followed by 15 minutes for any questions.

Register here - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-rnli-water-safety-webinar-for-primary-schools-ireland-tickets-1990465148842?aff=oddtdtcreator

St.Brendan's NS Blennerville National School Listellick Primary
RNLI
Traleetoday.ie
Tralee Bay Sailing Club -Fenit
Tralee Bay Swimming Club
Tralee Bay Swimmers
Radio Kerry
Kerry Volunteer Centre
TheKerryMam
Kerry's Eye
Discover Kerry
The Kerryman
Fenit Without
Kerry County Council

📟 📟 🛟 Missing Boy Search – Bank Holiday Monday, 25 May 🛟 At 18:22 on Bank Holiday Monday, 25 May, the Fenit RNLI pagers ...
07/06/2026

📟 📟
🛟 Missing Boy Search – Bank Holiday Monday, 25 May 🛟

At 18:22 on Bank Holiday Monday, 25 May, the Fenit RNLI pagers were activated following reports of a missing boy. Sea and weather condition’s were calm, winds force 2-3, south west and the swell was 0.5metres.

With Fergus Kelliher acting as Launch Authority, both the All-Weather Lifeboat (ALB) and Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) were launched at 18:33. Kevin Moriarty, Coxswain of the All-Weather Lifeboat, was in command of the ALB during the operation. Terry Sheehy, Coxswain in command of the inshore lifeboat during the rescue operation.

Both lifeboats arrived on scene at Camp Beach at 18:48 and immediately began a parallel search of the shoreline. The Rescue 115 helicopter also arrived on scene shortly afterwards to assist with the search operation.

At 19:26, the missing boy was located safe and well on the shore. Following confirmation of his safety, all search teams were stood down.

Both lifeboats returned to Fenit station, where they were refuelled and washed down, and were ready for service again by 20:18.

Following the callout, Coxswain Kevin Moriarty praised the crew’s professionalism and teamwork. He expressed “how proud he was of the volunteer crew and highlighted the importance of regular training, which ensured the search was carried out efficiently and safely”.

We would like to thank the Coast Guard, Rescue 115, and all other emergency services involved in the safe return of the missing boy. Your professionalism, dedication, and swift response are deeply appreciated.

If you see someone in difficulty or believe there is an emergency, please call 999 or 112 immediately and ask for the Coastguard emergency service.

⚓️ Fenit RNLI All weather crew;
Coxswain Kevin Moriarty
John Moriarty
Kevin Honeyman
Denise Lynch
Caroline Corkery
Mark O’Connor

⚓️ Fenit RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Crew;
Coxswain Terry Sheehy
Ciaran Forde
Cian Lawless

RNLI
Irish Coast Guard
Kerry County Council

Amber Thursday - a joint initiative to stay safe together by staying vigilant, as we approach June Bank Holiday weekend....
28/05/2026

Amber Thursday - a joint initiative to stay safe together by staying vigilant, as we approach June Bank Holiday weekend.

Fire Safety
Road Safety
Water Safety

💙🧡Let’s all stay safe together 💙🧡

RNLI
Irish Coast Guard
fans
Kerry County Council
An Garda Síochána Kerry

🔊 Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and RNLI issue water safety advice ahead of June Bank Holiday🗓️ Ahead of the J...
27/05/2026

🔊 Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and RNLI issue water safety advice ahead of June Bank Holiday

🗓️ Ahead of the June Bank Holiday weekend, the Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI are urging the public to stay safe if planning an activity on or near the water.

🌡️ While air temperatures are warmer, sea and inland water temperatures remain low. This contrast can present a hidden but serious risk of cold water shock and hypothermia to anyone entering or unexpectedly falling into the water.



🌊 Even on warm, sunny days, water temperatures are often below 15°C, cold enough to trigger cold water shock. This sudden reaction can cause involuntary gasping, panic, and loss of breathing control, greatly increasing the risk of drowning.



While a large number of people are expected to visit the coast or inland waterways over the bank holiday weekend, for many this will be their first dip of the season. Remember to enter the water slowly, splash yourself to acclimatise, keep your dips short and stay within your depth. Don’t go alone, swim with others, always stay together, and ensure everyone leaves the water safely.


🏖️ If you’re planning an activity in or on the water, remember:

-Check weather and tides before heading out,
-carry a means of calling for help such as a fully charged mobile phone
-Always wear a correctly fitted and serviced lifejacket or buoyancy aid
-Avoid alcohol as it impairs judgement, coordination, and reaction time
-Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.


If you fall into the water unexpectedly or get into difficulty, remember:

~Float to Live
~Stay calm and fight any instinct to panic or thrash around
~Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged
~Relax and try to breathe normally
~Move your hands and feet to help you stay afloat. It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently
~Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, call for help or raise your hand or swim to safety if you are able.


If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast or think that they are in trouble, use marine VHF radio Ch 16 or dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

RNLI
Irish Coast Guard
Irish Water Safety
Tralee Bay Sailing Club -Fenit
Saint Brendan the Navigator

🆘 Early morning call-out for Fenit RNLI after 3am alert for yacht🛟 Fenit RNLI’S all weather lifeboat volunteer crew were...
24/05/2026

🆘 Early morning call-out for Fenit RNLI after 3am alert for yacht

🛟 Fenit RNLI’S all weather lifeboat volunteer crew were called out early this
morning (Sunday May 24th) when a yacht lost its power and steerage North of Loop head, Co. Clare.

📟 The lifeboat crew pagers were sounded at 3.03am, after a Pan-Pan signal was made from the 10-metre vessel, and the Irish Coastguard contacted Fenit RNLI’s Launch Authority on duty Peter Clifford who requested the launch of the all-weather Lifeboat Robert Hywel Jones Williams. The vessel had been enroute from Rossaveel, Co. Galway to Kilrush, Co. Clare.

The yacht, carrying three people on board, initially reported that it had lost engine power and was experiencing difficulties with its rudder. The MFV Celtic Sun, which was fishing in the area at the time, heard the Pan-Pan signal and responded, arriving first on
the scene. The vessel remained on standby until the Fenit RNLI lifeboat arrived. Sea conditions during the rescue were favourable, with a force 3 south-westerly wind and a 2.3-metre swell.

Fenit all-weather lifeboat arrived on scene at 04:40am. Contact was made with the crew, who were all fit and well and Coxswain Kevin Moriarty, assessed the situation. After consulting with the skipper, it was determined that a tow was necessary and would be the safest way to assist the crew and bring them to safety. A towline was successfully established at 04:55am, the yacht was towed to the safety of Fenit harbour, arriving at 10:20am.

Once satisfied that the yacht and its crew were secure, the lifeboat returned to the station, where she was refuelled, washed down and ready for any further calls.

Six volunteers were on-board the lifeboat for the operation: Coxswain Kevin Moriarty, Mechanic Kevin Honeyman, and crew members Caroline Corkery, Ciaran Forde, Cian Lawless, Shane Mulcair and Terry Sheehy.

Speaking following the call-out, Coxswain Kevin Moriarty said that “the training undertaken by the crew was vital and they all worked very well together. I wish the crew of the vessel well on the remainder of their journey. Should anyone get into difficulty at
sea, always call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

RNLI
Irish Coast Guard
Irish Lifeboats

👩‍✈️ 🧑‍✈️ 👨‍✈️ 🧑‍✈️ Fenit RNLI coxswains gear up for their new lifeboatAt Fenit RNLI, we are incredibly proud of all our...
22/05/2026

👩‍✈️ 🧑‍✈️ 👨‍✈️ 🧑‍✈️ Fenit RNLI coxswains gear up for their new lifeboat

At Fenit RNLI, we are incredibly proud of all our crew.

Recently, 4 of our 6 coxswains from Fenit RNLI attended a five day intensive training course at the RNLI College Dorset. To prepare and focus on the new arrival of the state-of-the art Shannon class lifeboat, due to arrive this summer. This vital training ensures our crew are fully prepared and ready to respond when people need them most.

This training also represents a huge personal sacrifice from each of them. They gave up their own time and spent time away from their work, families, and children in order to complete the course and continue serving our community at the highest standard.

Their dedication, commitment, and professionalism make us immensely proud, and we look forward to welcoming our new lifeboat later this summer.

Well done 👏
📸 Fenit RNLI Volunteer Coxswains;

Denise Lynch, John Moriarty, Kevin Moriarty & Terry Sheehy.

RNLI
Fenit RNLI
RNLI College
Irish Coast Guard

🔔Reminder of our water safety webinars  fansRNLI
19/05/2026

🔔Reminder of our water safety webinars

fans
RNLI

Join the RNLI Water Safety team for a free 60-minute session on essential lifesaving skills to keep secondary school students safe.

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Fenit
Kerry
V92FT80

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