Dun Laoghaire RNLI assist canoeist off Dalkey Island

The volunteer lifeboat crew was requested to launch their inshore lifeboat (ILB) at 5.35pm on Friday (4 May). A canoeist had got into difficulty off Dalkey Island and was spotted by passers-by who alerted the Coast Guard.

Rescue 116 and Dalkey Island ferry were on scene when the lifeboat crew arrived.

The casualty had been recovered from the water by the ferry operator and was escorted by lifeboat back to Collimore Harbour.

Dun Laoghaire RNLI Helm Chris Watson, who is also a member of Dublin Fire Brigade and a paramedic, assessed the casualty and requested an ambulance from Dublin Coast Guard. The casualty had been in the water for 35 to 40 minutes and was wearing shorts and a lifejacket.

“The casualty was very fortunate with the outcome as he was in the water without a wetsuit for 40 minutes,” commented Dun Laoghaire RNLI crewmember Chris Watson.

It was a great example of teamwork between the RNLI, the Coast Guard and the local community to ensure the casualty was returned to his family safely.

Ends

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For more information please contact Sarah Hipwell, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0878078688, email [email protected] or Jessica Lamb, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 0879427870, email [email protected].

Or contact Nuala McAloon RNLI Regional Media Officer Ireland on 00353876483547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Regional Media Manager Ireland on 00353871254124 or [email protected]

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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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