Paraic’s life-saving recognised

Lough Derg RNLI volunteer Paraic Slattery, in his role as Captain of Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue Helicopter Rescue 115, and his colleagues have been recognised for their rescue of 14 fishermen from the stricken fishing vessel Fastnet in December 2025.

James O’Neill, winch paramedic with Rescue 115, was awarded the Billy Deacon Search and Rescue Memorial Trophy (2026) for his role in winching the 14 men to safety in extremely challenging conditions.

With his fellow Rescue 115 crew members attending, James was presented with the Billy Deacon Search and Rescue Memorial Trophy and an inscribed Breitling watch by RNLI Chief Executive Peter Sparkes, at the Air League’s Annual Reception Ceremony, held at the House of Commons, London, on July 9.

On December 14, 2025, the 350-tonne fishing vessel Fastnet suffered engine failure as she left Dingle Harbour in Kerry. With near gale force winds and a heavy Atlantic swell, the vessel ran aground on the rocks at Bínn Bán at the base of the cliffs near the entrance to Dingle Harbour. In these conditions the vessel was in danger of capsize or breaking up; a life-threatening situation for the 14 crew on board.

A multi-agency rescue response was initiated by Valentia Coast Guard, with the all-weather Valentia RNLI lifeboat, the Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue Helicopter Rescue 115, based at Shannon, Dingle-based Irish Coast Guard Land Units, the Irish Navy and local fishing vessels all responding.

Given the treacherous location of the fishing vessel on rocks in shallow water, the Valentia RNLI lifeboat and other vessels remained in safer waters. At the same time, Captain Robert Goodbody and co-pilot Paraic Slattery, winch operator Eamonn O’Broin and winchman James O’Neill prepared for a winching operation.

Nicholas Horst MBE, awards secretary, said that with “great skill and precision by winch operator Eamonn O’Broin, James was placed aboard. Once on board, James was exposed to the full force of the conditions and had to cope with numerous hazards on the tilting and moving deck. He managed to locate the 14 crew who were sheltering in the wheelhouse”.

Under extreme pressure in this high-risk environment, James briefed and prepared the crew for winching. He prioritised the evacuation sequence and calmly co-ordinated the lifting of the fishermen, two at a time, to the rescue helicopter. Throughout the operation, he worked in challenging conditions, including an unstable, slippery deck, and the effects on the vessel from the pounding sea.

The winching operation took 50 minutes to complete, with Rescue 115 transferring the entire crew to a prepared cliff-top landing site in two sorties. Once all crew members were safely recovered, James was the final person winched to the helicopter.

Winch operator, Eamonn O’Broin, played a vital role, assessing each crew member and ensuring they were safely secured before continuing the operation.

George Rawlinson MBE, award committee chair (and former RNLI Operations and Safety Director) said "this incredibly demanding rescue was completed with a calm professionalism, despite considerable personal risk to James. James showed magnificent leadership skills in organising the 14 crew for evacuation prioritising their safety at considerable risk to himself. His courage in the face of adversity had a direct bearing on the successful outcome. Immense credit too, to the winch operator, Eamonn O’Broin, for his focus and skill throughout this long winching operation. Also, to the flight crew of Captain Robert Goodbody and co-pilot, Paraic Slattery, who managed the safe operation of the aircraft throughout, keeping the helicopter positioned above Fastnet while she pitched dramatically in the swell and ensuring the casualties were safely transported to land.

This service was a multi-agency response and exemplified good leadership, team work and communication, in a very demanding situation and sums up the commitment of those involved to save life at considerable risk to themselves. Deserved additional recognition should go to the expert co-ordination of the service by Valentia Coast Guard’, and considerable contributions from Valentia RNLI Lifeboat and the Dingle Coast Guard Rescue team.