Lough Derg RNLI volunteer Paraic Slattery, in his role as Captain of Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue Helicopter Rescue 115, and his colleagues have been recognised for their rescue of 14 fishermen from the stricken fishing vessel Fastnet in December 2025. James O’Neill, Winch Paramedic with Rescue 115, was awarded the Billy Deacon Search and Rescue Memorial Trophy (2026) for his role in winching the 14 men to safety in extremely challenging conditions. A multi-agency rescue response was initiated by Valentia Coast Guard, with the all-weather Valentia RNLI lifeboat, the Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue Helicopter Rescue 115, based at Shannon, Dingle-based Irish Coast Guard Land Units, the Irish Navy and local fishing vessels all responding. He managed to locate the 14 crew who were sheltering in the wheelhouse”. “Deserved additional recognition should go to the expert coordination of the service by Valentia Coast Guard, together with the considerable contributions from Valentia RNLI Lifeboat and the Dingle Coast Guard Rescue Team.”