[2] Ever since its founding in 1824, the Royal National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck (RNIPLS), later to become the RNLI in 1854, would award medals for deeds of gallantry at sea, even if no lifeboats were involved.

[4] Four bronze medals were awarded after a service to the motor vessel June, which ran aground on Mutton Island in a SW Force-7 gale on 16 January 1962.

5 years later, "Framed Letters of Thanks signed by the Chairman of the Institution" were accorded to the nine crew of the Mabel Marion Thompson, for the rescue of eight from the Greek motor vessel Razani of Pireaus on 25 October 1967.

[1] In a three day period from the 3 October 2000, the Aran Islands Severn-class lifeboat 17-06 David Kirkaldy (ON 1217) spent over 30 hours at sea, searching for survivors of the Spanish Fishing trawler Arosa, which sank near Skerd Rocks, 10 miles (16 km) north-west of Inishmore.

[7] In 1938, with William Evans (ON 653) still on station, the fishing trawler Nogi ran aground on Straw Island on the night of 16 August.

After putting back to harbour for refuelling, the search recommenced at daybreak, and after 6 hours, the man was found dazed and confused ashore near the Straw Island lighthouse, unable to remember anything after he had got in the boat.