Kilkeel RNLI

02/06/2026

Kilkeel RNLI responded to a Mayday last week after two people onboard a small pleasure boat got into difficulty and the vessel began to take on water on its approach to Carlingford Marina.

On Wednesday evening (27 May), the volunteer crew were on a routine training exercise on their new Shannon class lifeboat Bobby Cameron when they were diverted to respond to a Mayday.

The lifeboat under Andrew Lynas, RNLI Coxswain Afloat Mechanic and with crew members Gerry Smyth, William Kearney, Chris McConnell, Julie Annett and Andrew Young onboard, immediately made its way to the scene.

Weather conditions at the time were described as good with a Force 3 north easterly wind and smooth seas, a clear sky and good visibility.

Arriving on scene at 9.30pm, the crew assessed the situation before accompanying the boat as it made its way to a pontoon in the marina where the two onboard disembarked. The lifeboat then manoeuvred alongside the boat and the crew, working with colleagues from Greenore Coast Guard, quickly and efficiently applied their training to use their salvage pump to drain the boat which was then lifted out by crane.

Speaking following responding, Andrew Lynas, RNLI Coxswain Afloat Mechanic, said ‘We want to wish both people well and commend the lifeboat crew and our colleagues from Greennore Coast Guard who responded brilliantly and professionally to achieve a positive outcome. It was great for our crew involved, who have been working endlessly in recent months to prepare the Shannon for service, to put their skills and training into action.

‘As we approach the summer months, we would encourage anyone planning on sailing or motor boating to check the weather forecast, wind conditions and tide times before going afloat. Always wear a suitable, correctly fitted lifejacket at all times, carry a reliable means of calling for help such as a VHF radio or fully charged mobile phone and let someone know where you are going and when you are due back. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’

26/05/2026

Thanks to all our fundraising volunteers and lifeboat crew who collected for Kilkeel RNLI on Saturday and thanks to all those who gave so generously. Without you the RNLI could not sustain its lifesaving work at sea. The amazing sum raised was £3000.

23/05/2026

19/05/2026

Float to Live could save your life.

Remember:
- Tilt your head back with ears submerged
- Relax and try to control your breathing
- Use your hands to help you stay afloat
- It's okay if your legs sink, we all float differently

Practice these steps at a supervised location, like a swimming pool or lifeguarded beach so you know what to do in an emergency.

18/05/2026

Our Shannon leaving the harbour for a training exercise on Saturday.
The volunteer crew have been working hard on acquiring the skills needed to run the Shannon class lifeboat in all weather conditions. They have devoted many hours to the tasks required and have been making excellent progress.
Saturday's exercise included search patterns and emergency procedures.

16/05/2026

The crew are all ready to go tomorrow (17th May). Come along and support them if you can, they will be happy to see you. The event starts at 1400 hrs at Stormont.

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/kilkeel-soapbox?utm_medium=CA&utm_source=CL&fbclid=IwdGRjcAR1h99leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe-S9pvbUqw09JBGZfjBfubATbN4iLf-92i5K4upbmLHwhLf374PJp0sTF918_aem_CLilnNpZlJ80de06Vpuv_g

On 17 May 2026, the crew from Kilkeel RNLI are swapping the sea for the slopes as they take on the legendary Red Bull Soapbox Race at Stormont. Their mission: build the boldest, fastest, most brilliant Shannon-class soapbox they can — all to raise vi

24/04/2026

Kilkeel RNLI will have a racer in the upcoming Red Bull Soapbox Race at Belfast’s Stormont Estate on Sunday, 17 May. This race is set to make a spectacular return for this entertaining sporting spectacle. This unique downhill race will see 40 fearless teams go head-to-head in a gravity-powered dash for glory, piloting their own homemade soapbox machines down a purpose-built course in the shadow of the historic landmark.
Our volunteer crew here at Kilkeel RNLI have already planned and created their design and are in the build process! We will be building our soapbox to replicate our new all-weather Shannon class lifeboat.
All proceeds raised for this activity will go towards saving lives at sea at Kilkeel RNLI. And we need your support. To make a donation, please visit:

On 17 May 2026, the crew from Kilkeel RNLI are swapping the sea for the slopes as they take on the legendary Red Bull Soapbox Race at Stormont. Their mission: build the boldest, fastest, most brilliant Shannon-class soapbox they can — all to raise vi

09/02/2026

"The Northern Ireland Fishermen’s Safety Forum is running a number of safety roadshows over the coming weeks beginning this Friday, 13 February. The RNLI’s water safety volunteers are delighted to be attending all these events to run a lifejacket clinic and host a water safety stand. If you live or work in these communities or know someone who does, please spread the word and drop by. Bring your lifejacket with you and get it checked out on the day. "

30/01/2026

Training continues on the Kilkeel boat with all the volunteer crew working intensively with the expert RNLI trainers to acquire all the necessary skills such as navigation, manoevering and casualty location.
The video shows the boat approaching Kilkeel Harbour.