The Hyman Winstone, a new Arun class lifeboat, will be stationed at Ballycotton Harbour.

The people of the east Cork village of Ballycotton campaigned for many years to have the harbour dredged to a depth able to take the new boat. Finally, public pressure paid off and the new lifeboat has now arrived in Ballycotton.

The new glass fibre lifeboat was escorted into harbour by the old wooden one. The new boat can travel at twice the speed and will offer a better and more efficient life saving service.

Local people gathered in the harbour to admire the new boat as it was put through its paces. When the boat finally docked in the harbour, villagers climbed on board to see the new lifeboat. The crew will now take part in a three week training course before the new boat goes into full service.

Coxswain Tom MacLeod says that the Hyman Winstone will allow him and his crew to provide a first class service.

An RTÉ News report broadcast on 15 April 1985. The reporter is Tom MacSweeney.