An Post stamps acknowledge the Irish Coast Guard

7 March 2019

An Post today issued two stamps marking Irish Coast Guard’s provision of search, rescue and monitoring services at sea, on the coast and waterways of Ireland.  The stamps designed by Vermillion Design are based on an original painting by the late Caitriona Lucas, who sadly lost her life while volunteering with the Coast Guard on September 12, 2016.

Members of the Irish Coast Guard and Bernard Lucas, widower of Caitriona unveiled the set of stamps in the GPO earlier today while a Coast Guard team displayed the new stamps in Dublin Bay.  The artwork depicts a rescue team working at sea, both in the air and on the water. The scene in the painting was divided into two stamps by Vermillion Design.
 
The Irish Coast Guard responds to maritime and inland search and rescue emergencies with its main objective to reduce the loss of life on lakes, waterways, rivers, sea and coastal areas.  The brave men and women, comprising 65 full-time staff and 940 volunteers, selflessly assist on average 4,500 people, saving 200 lives and handling 3,000 maritime emergencies every year.   
 
Debbie Byrne, Managing Director, An Post Retail paid tribute to the Coast Guard “Stamps mark important aspects of Irish life and this beautiful stamps acknowledge the service given by members of the Coast Guard to keep us safe when we are in or near the water.  We also recognise the families of those Coast Guard volunteers and staff who have lost their lives while serving the Irish people.”
 
Gerard O’Flynn, National Manager of the Coast Guard’s volunteer branch welcomed the stamp saying that he was “Delighted with public recognition and particularly pleased that Caitriona's work is being honored in this way. We would hope that the Lucas family will take some strength from this recognition.”
 
The stamps are on sale at main Post Offices nationwide and online at www.irishstamps.ie and from the GPO Dublin. ‘N’ rate covers standard letter postage within the island of Ireland.
 
Key messages from the Coast Guard for all of us to bear in mind:
 
Dial 112 for the Coast Guard

• If you see somebody in trouble or if you think they are in trouble at sea, on the water or along the coast Dial 112 and ask for the COAST GUARD.

Stay Back – Stay High – Stay Dry

• When on sea side walks and other coastal activities avoid any unfamiliar routes/areas and be mindful of changes caused by coastal erosion and the risk of trip, slips and falls.

Stay Afloat –Stay in Touch

• Never engage in any commercial or recreational boating activity without wearing a fully serviced Life Jacket or Personal Flotation Device coupled with a capacity to raise the alarm via means such as a VHF radio, Personal Locator Beacon or mobile phone.