Skerries RNLI responds to reports of people in the water in difficulty
Skerries RNLI responds to reports of people in the water in difficulty
Lifeboats News Release
Skerries RNLI was launched last night (Tuesday 2 June) to reports of a number of people who appeared to be in difficulty in the water near the islands off Skerries. The alarm was raised after members of the public had made 999 calls.
RNLI/Gerry Canning
Skerries RNLI recovering their Atlantic 85 after the call out
Shortly before 7pm, the volunteer crew launched the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Louis Simson. The concerned members of the public who had called the Coast Guard had given slightly different positions for the people in the water, so the lifeboat made its way around the headland and towards the islands.
When the lifeboat crew arrived on scene, there was no sign of anyone in the water in the areas reported. They carried out a search of the area around the islands. With nothing found, it eventually became clear that the people in the water had made their own way ashore. The boat returned to station and was made ready for the next service.
Conditions at the time were calm with a force two southerly wind.
Speaking about the call out, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said: ‘Thankfully our services weren’t required in this instance. However, when we are needed, the earlier we get the call the better. The members of the public had genuine concerns for the safety of those in the water and did the right thing in dialling 999 and asking for the Coast Guard’
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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.
