Rescue 117

21/05/2025

Here is a link to a podcast where our very own Winchman Debbie Hally goes through how she became a Winchman and give an in-depth view of her on the job experiences. Well worth a listen.
Well done Debbie 🙌

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3RjlDYmDLASqbj8v312k61?si=mC0dXGsTRSarLWtMqKkROQ

Strap Yer Boots · Episode

13/03/2025

Eight years ago at 2210 the crew of Rescue 116 were tasked to support Rescue 118 off the west coast of Ireland.

The crew lifted at 2302, 13th March 2017, departing our base at Dublin Airport for what would prove to be the last time.

At 0046, 14th March 2017, the aircraft tragically crashed, all four of the crew lost their lives.

Mark, Ciarán, Dara and Paul.

Four of the best, gone but never forgotten.

Eight long years have passed, but our memory hasn't faded and our friends & colleagues are always in our thoughts.

'For one minute, walk outside. Stand there in silence. Look up to the sky and remember how brave they were'

We would once again ask that you pause for a moment to think of our four friends, their families, their friends and their colleagues. And we ask you to spare a thought for all those, across Ireland, working in the service of others.

Stay Safe

GO MARIDÍS BEO

22/11/2024

Beautiful morning for a training exercise in the Galtee Mountains.

20/09/2024

A busy shift for our crew yesterday with the fine weather.

We had 3 taskings including one from Valentia Coast Guard Station to an area near Kinsale for reports of a female in difficulty on a cliff-face.

The woman had become trapped halfway up the cliff after being cut off by the incoming tide, it is understood she was trapped for over four hours.

A Coast Guard ground unit and the RNLI were also tasked.

Upon arrival, it was decided the to deploy our winchman from the helicopter and winch the casualty to safety.

the casualty was recovered using a strop lift to the top of the cliff into the hands of the Coast Guard ground unit in what was a challenging but very successful rescue mission.

The lady was shaken but uninjured.

Well done to all involved especially the old head / seven heads Coast Guard unit and the Courtmacsherry Lifeboat who voluntarily give up their free time to do this.

If you are ever in difficulty don’t hesitate, phone 999/112 immediately and ask for the coast guard.

12/09/2024

Never forgotten
Go Maridís Beo

Today we will pause and pay our respects to Caitríona Lucas, on the anniversary of her passing while on Coast Guard duty.

Our thoughts are with her family, Coast Guard colleagues and friends.

Go Maridis Beo

10/09/2024

We are delighted to say that another bit of history has been made today by the crews of R117.

We are the first SAR aircraft to land at
Cork University Hospital in over 20yrs.
The last helipad in CUH was decommissioned in 2003 so it is fantastic to see the new helipad come into service.
This is a vital facility for all emergency helicopters operating in the area and huge advancement for those that may need urgent medical care in the future. A fantastic facility indeed.

Irish Coast Guard

22/08/2024

Making Irish SAR history in Waterford- the first all female Technical Crew on shift. Winch Operator Sarah & Winchman Debbie
Congratulations to both on a fantastic milestone and great achievement, here’s to many years of SAR. Safe flying ladies
Irish Coast Guard

05/10/2023

Check out TG4 tonight 8pm.

31/08/2023

https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/08/31/search-and-rescue-helicopter-crews-seek-job-guarantees/

Union maintains that transfer of undertaking rules apply to new operator of service

19/04/2023

https://www.wlrfm.com/news/students-in-kilmacthomas-treated-to-emergency-services-display-302398?fbclid=IwAR0eAzb7IvFwY5BWrwfaNQ71vn-I1CF3SKo2a27ZZ52bs0CZuaGx7XAAiPc

A major emergency services demonstration took place at St. Declan's Community College, Kilmacthomas today.The Rescue 117 helicopter landed at the school where G...

14/03/2023

This morning at 0046hrs on a cold and rainy Blackrock promenade, Co.Louth, in memory of the crew of R116. I gconaí inár gcroí.....níl sibh i bhur n-aonar!
Piper is Mark Toner from Dublin Fire Brigade.
Always in our hearts.