New An Post stamps issued to acknowledge the Irish Coast Guard
An Post has issued new stamps to acknowledge the Irish Coast Guard’s provision of search and rescue on the coast and waterways of Ireland.
The two new stamps designed by Vermillion Design are based on an original painting by the late Caitriona Lucas, who 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 Lucas, unveiled the set of stamps in the GPO earlier today.
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.
Debbie Byrne, Managing Director, An Post Retail paid tribute to the Coast Guard.
Stamps mark important aspects of Irish life and these 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 honoured in this way."
"We would hope that the Lucas family will take some strength from this recognition," he said.
The stamps are on sale at main Post Offices nationwide and online at www.irishstamps.ie and from the GPO Dublin.
The ‘N’ rate stamps cover standard letter postage within the island of Ireland.
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 Coast Guard comprises 65 full-time staff and 940 volunteers who assist on average 4,500 people, saving 200 lives and handling 3,000 maritime emergencies each year.
- 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 sidewalks 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.
