After 35 years, the coxwain takes a turn away from the lifeboat helm

This weekend marks the end of an era for the Arranmore lifeboat with the retirement of the coxswain, Francie Bonner, after more…

This weekend marks the end of an era for the Arranmore lifeboat with the retirement of the coxswain, Francie Bonner, after more than 35 years of service.

The RNLI lifeboat is crucial to the Co Donegal island, not just for rescuing people in trouble on the high seas but for carrying out medical evacuations in emergencies.

Reluctant to boast, Francie makes his work sound easy and then casually mentions that when the lifeboat goes out in severe weather waves can often be as high as 15 or 20 metres.

Among the more dramatic rescues under his stewardship was one in 1995 when the lifeboat was called out to the fishing vessel, Claudia Marie, a few days before Christmas. Five people on board were eventually brought to safety. The boat had lost its rudder 24 miles north-east of Arranmore in winds gusting to force 9 on very rough seas.

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A framed letter of appreciation from the chairman of the RNLI was presented to Francie for the rescue, which lasted about 13 hours. In recent weeks he has also received a presentation at Buckingham Palace for his service with the RNLI.

Now 55, the retirement age specified by the RNLI, Francie estimates he has gone out on the lifeboat an average of three or four times a month since he was 20.

"At times it can be tough, but there is a job satisfaction in what you do. I was a fisherman myself so I know how important it is. You have to go out in bad weather. It is just something you do. You don't think about it at the time."

He says the main problem in very bad weather is boarding the boat because on Arranmore they have to go out to the lifeboat on a small dinghy. "If you can board the boat at all, you would go out," he says.

There are two full-time crew members on the lifeboat, the coxswain and mechanic, and 15 others.

Nora Flanagan, the only woman member, says the greatest tribute she can pay to Francie is that he was so willing to accept her five years ago as the first woman on the crew. Although retiring, Francie will not be staying on dry land as he intends to do some fishing. A party will be held on the island tomorrow night in his honour.