Dun Laoghaire RNLI rescue seven teenagers stranded on Sandymount
Dun Laoghaire RNLI has rescued seven teenagers this afternoon after they got into difficulty when walking on Sandymount Strand.
The inshore lifeboat helmed by Mark McGibney and with crew member Adam O'Sullivan onboard, launched the lifeboat in four minutes and made their way to the scene some four nautical miles out from the station, in what were described as flat calm weather conditions.
The Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 from Dublin was also tasked.
Once on scene the crew observed the seven casualties dry, safe and well on a sandbank but surrounded by water. The group had got into difficulty when caught by an incoming tide.
The lifeboat crew proceeded to walk the lifeboat into the shallow area where the teenagers then transferred themselves onto the lifeboat. The helicopter meanwhile hovered over and stood by as the casualties were safely taken onboard the lifeboat. The lifeboat was brought into deeper water before the engine was started and it made its way back to the lifeboat station escorted by the helicopter overhead.
Speaking following the call out, Dun Laoghaire Helm Mark McGibney said: 'We would like to commend the group for raising the alarm when they got into trouble, that was the right thing to do. As the weather picks up and as we begin the Easter holidays, we would remind everyone to enjoy themselves but to always respect the water. Check the weather conditions and tide times before planning your activity and if you do get into difficulty dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'
Ends
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.