The Helen Blake Lifeboat Project
To build on Fethard-on-Sea’s maritime heritage & tourism, with a particular focus on developing community skills in marine craftsmanship.
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The Helen Blake
We are building a replica of the Helen Blake Lifeboat which sank off the Keeragh Islands, off Fethard-on-Sea in 1914 with the loss of 9 crew. The boat is being constructed by hand using traditional methods to replicate the original.
The focus of the project is to develop community skills in boat building, carpentry and marine tourism. The boat is being built by a team of participants from the Ballycullane Community Employment Scheme, Wexford Local Development TÚS workers and volunteers, under the guidance of master shipwright and craftsman, John Colfer.
The boat is currently in the latter stages of construction, with the boat anticipated to be completed and seaworthy by 2023.
Looking to the future
Once the boat is complete, we plan to run tours to the Keeragh Islands in Summer 2023. Further info coming soon – Watch this space!
Become a Sponsor of the Replica Build
Your sponsorship will be used to fund the completion of the boat. Opportunities to sponsor unique parts of the build are still available.
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HONOURING THE HEROES OF THE GREATEST
LOSS EVER SUFFERED BY THE IRISH RNLI
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