Skerries RNLI respond to reports of distress flares
Skerries RNLI responded yesterday evening (22 May) after Dublin Coast Guard received reports that members of the public had seen flares off Balbriggan harbour.
Skerries RNLI volunteers launched the lifeboat shortly after 9.30pm with Emma Wilson at the Helm and crewed by Stephen Crowley, Joe May and JP Tanner.
The lifeboat made it’s way to Balbriggan harbour where they spoke to a number of sailing and fishing boats in the immediate area prior to conducting a search. Several of the vessels reported sighting a red distress flare but indicated that it may have come from the shore.
As the lifeboat, Skerries Coast Guard Unit and Coast Guard Helicopter R116 were about to begin a search, another flare was sighted. It was confirmed by the lifeboat crew and by Skerries Coast Guard to have been fired from land. Skerries RNLI and R116 were both stood down and returned to base.
Speaking after the call out, Gerry Canning, Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI said: ‘Flares are an important piece of safety equipment for any vessel going to sea. They are a means of calling for help if needed. Our volunteers are always ready to drop what they are doing and respond, however, incidents such as this can tie up important resources and could cost lives.’
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Gerry Canning Skerries RNLI volunteer lifeboat press officer on 087 988 4965 email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager on 087 1254 124 or 01 8900 460 email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Tel: 087 6483547 email: [email protected] or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789
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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.
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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.