Rescue 117 at the Tribute to the Crew of Rescue 116 held on the Wexford Crescent Quay recently. Pic: Nicola Reddy.
WEXFORD’S QUAY front came to a standstill as members of the public and local emergency services gathered to pay tribute to the crew of Rescue 116 who tragically lost their lives on March 14 of this year.
The event was organised by the crew of Wexford RNLI. It began with prayers from Fr. Aodhán Marken and Canon Arthur Minion.
Wreaths were then laid on behalf of the members of all SAR and Emergency services who were colleagues of R116’s crew, along with commercial fishermen and leisure users in Wexford.
Speaking at the event, RNLI volunteer Peter Scallan said: “We stand in solidarity with the Lifeboat, Coast Guard, Gardaí, National Ambulance Service, Order of Malta and Civil Defence personnel in Mayo during their search and support activities since March 14.”
He pointed out that Wexford Boat Club crew had laid a wreath on behalf of their members and all recreational users of the water, as well as hill walkers, reflecting the service provided by R116 to their community.
He added: “We recognise the role that many members of the public, private boat crew, and especially club divers who have participated in the search for the crew of Rescue 116, have played.
Fishing vessel crews than laid a wreath on behalf of all fishing and commercial users of the water, in recognition of the loss and grief that so many fishing families have endured.
Mr. Scallan paid tribute to and acknowledged the role of the Western and North Western fishing crews in the search for the crew of Rescue 116 over the past six weeks.”
Rosslare and Wexford RNLI then release four white parachute flares, one each for member of R116. This was followed by a minute’s silence.
The Irish Coast Guard Helicopter, Rescue 117, based in Waterford, then performed a flypast, a salute with winch men standing to attention as the Last Post, a bugle call, was played.
Speaking after the event, Lorraine Galvin of Wexford RNLI said the event had been a “fitting tribute to the crew of 116” and thanked all the emergency services and people of Wexford for attending.
