RNLI hero honoured

A Cork RNLI Coxswain has been presented with a gallantry award by the Duke of Kent for his lifesaving role in the rescue of 6 men in 2018.

Dean Hegarty of Castletownbere RNLI was 1 of 4 Irish Coxswains to receive an award at a special lunch at St James’s Palace in London recently.

Mr Hegarty was presented with a bronze medal for gallantry for his part in the dramatic rescue of a fishing crew in October 2018.

The rescue took place on the evening of 10 October 2018 at an area known as The Pipers immediately south west of the harbour entrance at Castletownbere. Answering an urgent Mayday from the fishing crew, the lifeboat launched in darkness into a Force 9 gale, driving rain and heavy squalls.

Arriving on scene, the lifeboat crew saw that the fishing vessel was located in a precarious position and Coxswain Hegarty made the decision not to take the crew off the boat but instead establish a towline.

With the weather deteriorating, there was only a short window of opportunity to save the men before the vessel would hit the rocks or cliff face and be lost.

The Coxswain had to initially steer the lifeboat out to sea to gain a safe separation between the rocks and cliffs before he could then turn the lifeboat and start the journey back to the harbour.

Mark Dowie, RNLI Chief Executive, said: “First awarded in 1824, RNLI Medals for Gallantry are the highest honours bestowed by the charity.

“I am humbled and proud of all our volunteers and employees that make up this incredible institution. Every one of them and their families give so much to the charity and our purpose of saving lives at sea.”