Dunmore East RNLI crew teams up with Rescue 117 for training exercise
A stunning aerial photo of Hook Lighthouse taken from the R117 helicopter. Pic: Peter Grogan
The volunteer crew members of Dunmore East RNLI teamed up with their counterparts in Rescue 117 Coast Guard helicopter recently to participate in a training exercise.
A spokesperson for the RNLI said it was a fantastic opportunity for the members to engage with the helicopter crew.
Expressing gratitude to the team at Rescue 117 for giving their time and expertise to the training, the spokesperson highlighted the fact the RNLI has always worked closely with the Irish Coast Guard.
"The RNLI has always worked closely with the Irish Coast Guard and this was fantastic opportunity for our lifeboat volunteers to get a valuable firsthand look at helicopter operations, safety and winching procedures," said the spokesperson.
After a short flight from Waterford Airport, the crew members were winched from the aircraft and trained in handling the hi-line.
That's a critical skill necessary for managing the safe descent of a winchman onto an RNLI lifeboat at sea.
The spokesperson acknowledged all of the people involved and in particular thanked R117 winchman, Neville Murphy, who is also a Dunmore East RNLI lifeboat volunteer, and winch operator, Adrian O'Hara, along with all of the R117 team "for their guidance and hospitality".
