The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has called on the public to support its fundraising campaign as it said lifeboat crews rescued 1,119 people last year.
In its annual review, the charity said its boats launched 922 times, with the Arranmore station in Donegal the busiest in the country.
The crew put out to sea 51 times and saved 55 people, and it was also involved in last Saturday's dramatic rescue of 16 Spanish fishermen battling fire on their trawler 60 miles offshore.
The statistics were released as the charity prepares for its national fundraising day, RNLI SOS day, on Friday.
The RNLI said lifeboat crews at the country's 43 stations spent a total of 63 days at sea on rescue missions.
The team at Kilmore Quay, Co Wexford, rescued the most people last year - launching 35 times they brought 89 people safely back to shore.
Colin Williams, RNLI divisional inspector for Ireland, said crews had another very demanding year. "It is these volunteers and our extraordinary fundraisers who make it possible to provide this vital lifesaving service."
PA
