Former Killybegs Coast Guard volunteer Charlotte McDaid has helped Drogheda Coast Guard achieve a special first by forming part of its first fully operational all-female Search and Rescue boat crew.
Charlotte, who serves as a Deputy Coxswain, joined Coxswain Sue McKinney and crew member Jean O’Reilly for the milestone recently.
The team is also believed to be the first fully operational all-female boat crew fielded by an Irish Coast Guard unit on the East Coast.
Originally from Donegal, Charlotte began her Coast Guard journey as a volunteer with the Killybegs unit.
She later transferred to Drogheda Coast Guard after she and her husband Kieran moved to the area for work.
An accountant by profession, Charlotte is also mum to five-month-old Rosie. Despite the demands of work and family life, she continues to train and progress through her Coast Guard qualifications.
Charlotte is currently working towards becoming a Coxswain, which would see her join the relatively small number of women qualified for the role within the Irish Coast Guard.
Pictured are Sue McKinney (centre), Coxswain, Charlotte McDaid (left), Deputy Coxswain, and Jean O’Reilly (right), Crew Member.
Picture Fran Caffrey
The historic crew was led by Sue McKinney, who has almost 20 years of experience with Drogheda Coast Guard.
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Sue has worked her way through the different operational roles within the unit, completing the training and gaining the experience needed along the way. Four years ago, she qualified as a Coxswain and can now find herself heading out on an operational tasking with a full female crew alongside her.
Search and Rescue isn’t just something Sue does in her spare time either. She is also a Watch Officer with the Irish Coast Guard at Valentia, where she helps coordinate Coast Guard responses to incidents around Ireland’s south and south-west coasts.
Jean O’Reilly brings extensive experience as a lifeguard and swimming instructor to the crew.
She also works to educate young people about water safety by visiting schools and helping children understand how to stay safe around the water.
Drogheda Coast Guard said the milestone reflected the years of training, callouts and commitment undertaken by all three volunteers.
A spokesperson said: “Search and Rescue has traditionally been a very male-dominated environment, so seeing Sue, Charlotte and Gene heading out together as an operational crew is a great reflection of how things have changed.
“But when the pager goes, none of that really matters.
“They’re simply three trained Coast Guard volunteers, ready to launch and do the job they have spent years preparing for.
“A great achievement for Sue, Charlotte and Jean, and a very proud moment for everyone at Drogheda Coast Guard.
“Remember: If you see someone in difficulty on or near the water, dial 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.”