Lifeboats rescued 1,041 in 2012

Irish lifeboats rescued 1,041 people in 2012, new figures show.

Boats from all 44 Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) stations made rescues last year, of which pleasure craft accounted for 482 call outs and fishing vessels 115.

Dún Laoghaire lifeboat brought the highest number of people to safety with 76 individuals rescued over 46 callouts. Kilmore Quay lifeboat in Co Wexford brought 71 people to safety on 29 call-outs.

The busiest RNLI lifeboat station last year was Bangor in Co Down, which launched 53 times and rescued 53 people.

The RNLI's newest lifeboat station at Coosan Point, Athlone on Lough Ree brought 18 people to safety.

Operations manager Martyn Smith said the charity's crews, 95 per cent of whom are volunteers, brought reassurance and comfort to those in trouble.

“This is something the RNLI is very proud of and will continue to provide through the generosity of the public,” he said. "I would like to say a huge 'thank you' to all those who support the RNLI, whether by giving up their time or by making a donation."