Skerries RNLI tasked to capsized currach with three on board
Skerries RNLI were tasked shortly after 5pm this evening (21 September) after Dublin Coast Guard received a Mayday distress call from a 14ft currach that had capsized near Skerries, leaving one man and two teenagers in the water
Just after 5pm this evening (21 September), Dublin Coast Guard picked up a Mayday transmission from a 14ft currach that had capsized off Skerries. Initially the location was unclear, but several 999 calls from concerned members of the public confirmed that it was near the port lateral marker, known locally as the perch mark, just off the headland in Skerries.
The volunteer crew launched the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat “Louis Simson” and proceeded immediately to the stricken vessel which could be seen from the lifeboat station. Arriving on scene at the same time as the Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116, the crew discovered that the tender for Skerries Sailing Club, driven by Barra Collins, had been alerted to the Mayday transmission by local angler Ciaran O'Keeffe, and together they had managed to pull one man and two teenagers from the water.
The casualties were transferred to the lifeboat and brought ashore and into the lifeboat station to dry off and warm up. Dublin Fire Brigade paramedics from Skerries fire station attended to administer first aid before a HSE ambulance arrived and gave all the casualties a full check over. Volunteers from Skerries Coast Guard were also on scene to ensure there was no risk of pollution from the capsized vessel and provided assistance in scene safety.
The capsized boat was returned to the beach and the oars and other items lost overboard were recovered.
There was a force 3 south easterly wind with a slight sea swell at the time.
Speaking about the call out, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said: ‘Accidents can happen at sea at any time. Everyone on board was wearing a lifejacket, and they had a waterproof VHF to raise the alarm, which is really encouraging to see. This was a great team effort across multiple different emergency services with everyone playing their part. We’d also like to commend Ciaran and Barra for their swift actions, whenever there are people in the water every second counts.’
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.
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.