Busy week for Skerries RNLI volunteers
Skerries RNLI volunteers responded to three call outs in less than a week starting last Friday (19 July) when they towed a small fishing boat to safety. They were called out again on Monday and Wednesday to assist 3 teenagers on an inflatable dinghy and investigate a kite surfer in distress
Shortly before 2pm last Friday afternoon, one of the Skerries RNLI volunteer crew spotted a small fishing boat that appeared to be drifting quite close to the shoreline.
The volunteer crew launched their Atlantic 85 Inshore Lifeboat “Louis Simson” and made their way out to the fishing boat. There was one man on board and he confirmed that the boat had suffered engine failure. A tow was established and the boat was towed safely into Skerries harbour.
On Monday evening, just after 6pm Skerries RNLI were tasked after Dublin Coast Guard received a call expressing concern for three teenagers in an inflatable dinghy who were drifting off the headland at Red Island Skerries. Just as the crew reached the station, the lifeboat was stood down as the teenagers had managed to make it back to shore.
The pagers sounded once again on Wednesday evening at 6.30pm after what appeared to be a kite belonging to a kite surfer was spotted, semi-submerged, south of Shenick island off Skerries. The lifeboat was launched and proceeded directly to the area indicated by the caller. A search of the area was carried out and the object was spotted on the shore of the island. A crew member entered the water and swam ashore to investigate. The object turned out to be a discarded tent. With the crew member safely back on board the lifeboat, the Helm updated Dublin Coast Guard and the lifeboat was stood down.
Speaking about the busy week, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said: ‘With the great weather we’ve been having here has been an increase in call outs all around the coast. Particularly involving inflatables. We all love to enjoy the water, but we’d advise people to check out the RNLI and Irish water Safety websites for tips on how to enjoy yourself while staying safe at the beach.’
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Gerry Canning, Skerries RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 087 988 4965 or email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Ireland Media Officer on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Ireland Media Manager on 087 1254 124 or [email protected]
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.