Arklow and Wicklow RNLI respond to report of overdue kayakers

The Irish Coast Guard had been alerted by friends of two kayakers, who it was reported were overdue back at Ennereilly Strand, north of Arklow.

In worsening slight seas, Arklow's all-weather lifeboat proceeded to the last reported position of the kayakers in the vicinity of the northernmost wind turbine on Arklow Bank approximately eight miles from shore and established a search pattern.

Given the large search area it was decided to launch both Wicklow's all-weather and inshore lifeboats and the Irish Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter 116 from Dublin was also tasked to assist in the search.

On the second leg of the search approximately one mile east of Mizen Head, the kayakers were located by Arklow's lifeboat and Rescue 116. The kayakers were in good spirits and heading toward the shore and unaware the search was ongoing for them.

Given that conditions were expected to worsen it was decided to take them aboard Arklow's lifeboat, which then returned to Arklow, where the kayakers came ashore safely.

Following the call out, Mark Corcoran, Arklow RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: 'Thankfully we were able to locate both these people today. If any members of the public ever see anyone in distress or know that someone is overdue back to shore, they need to contact 999 or 112 and alert the Coast Guard who will then request the emergency services to the area. We would remind people to respect the water and also to always carry a means of calling for help and be contactable.'

Ends

All Photos Mark Corcoran/Brendan Dillon/Arklow RNLI

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Mark Corcoran, Arklow RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0868260439, email [email protected] or contact Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager on 087 1254 124 or 01 8900 460 email [email protected]

RNLI online

For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.ie News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.ie/press

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations with 44 in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of the Coast Guard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland and registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SCO37736)

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.