Skerries RNLI Rescue one man and two children in broken down speedboat

Skerries RNLI were tasked after Dublin Coast Guard received a 999 call from a member of the public saying that there was one adult and two children in difficulty in a personal watercraft off the south strand in Skerries.

The volunteer crew launched their Atlantic 85 Inshore Lifeboat “Louis Simson” and made their way towards the area indicated by the caller. Once on scene the crew began a quick search of the area. They quickly ascertained that the vessel in difficulty was in fact a small motorboat rather than a personal watercraft.

The boat had suffered a mechanical failure and was unable to make their way ashore. A tow was set up and the boat was brought safely back to the slipway in Skerries.

Conditions at the time were fair with a force one to two southerly breeze.

Speaking about the call out, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said: ‘It was great to see everyone on board the vessel wearing good lifejackets. Also, the person who called it in wasted no time in dialling 999 and asking for the Coast Guard once they spotted someone in trouble. It’s great to see that people are taking the safety messages on board and are all playing their part in helping us save lives at sea.’

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 Regional Media Manager Ireland on 087 1254 124 or 01 8900 460 email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon RNLI Regional Media Officer Ireland Tel: 087 6483547 email: [email protected] or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

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.

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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.