Concerns Raised Over Future Offshore Rescue Capability At Rosslare Harbour

Fresh concerns have been raised over plans to change the lifeboat stationed at Rosslare Harbour, with a senior maritime professional warning that the move could reduce offshore rescue capability along one of the busiest stretches of the Wexford coast.

The RNLI plans to replace the current Severn-class all-weather lifeboat with a new Coastal Lifeboat from 2029.

Captain Seán Boyce, a Master Mariner and Marine Pilot, says the difference in capability is significant.

He says the current lifeboat has a range of around 250 miles and is designed to operate in all weather conditions, while the replacement vessel is intended primarily for operations much closer to shore.

Captain Boyce believes Rosslare requires particular consideration because of the scale and nature of marine traffic in the area.

He pointed to the large number of ferries operating in and out of Rosslare Europort, a significant fishing fleet in south-east Wexford and substantial commercial shipping passing around Tuskar Rock and the south-east corner of the county.

He also highlighted difficult weather conditions, sandbanks and challenging navigation in the area.

Speaking to South East Radio, Captain Boyce said he believes reducing rescue capability in that environment would be a major mistake.

He also raised concerns about what could happen during a large-scale offshore emergency.

Captain Boyce said a serious incident involving a ferry or other large vessel could require the evacuation of significant numbers of people, while neighbouring lifeboats at Kilmore Quay or Arklow might not always be immediately available if already tasked elsewhere.

He said that reducing Rosslare’s ability to respond to such an incident was particularly worrying.

The RNLI has said its wider fleet changes are based on operational data showing that the majority of lifeboat callouts take place relatively close to shore.

However, Captain Boyce believes Rosslare’s own risk profile should be considered separately because of the volume and type of shipping using the area.

He said that while a major incident may be rare, emergency services need the strongest possible asset available when lives are at risk.

The planned change is due to take effect in 2029.