Skerries RNLI rescues two men and two women cut off by tide
Skerries RNLI rescued two men and two women yesterday afternoon (Sunday 14 June) after they were stranded on Shenick island near Skerries when they were cut off from the mainland by the incoming tide.
Shortly after 1pm, the volunteer crew in Skerries RNLI were requested to launch the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Louis Simson following a call from a member of An Garda Siochana reporting that there were a number of persons in the water between Shenick Island and the south beach in Skerries.
Once on the water, the lifeboat proceeded around the headland at Red Island and made their way towards Shenick island. A search of the area was carried out and it was determined that some of the people had made it ashore, however two men and two women remained on Shenick island and were stranded as the incoming tide had covered the path back to shore.
The lifeboat was skilfully maneuvered into the shallow waters near the island and two of the volunteer crew made their way ashore to speak with the stranded persons. They were brought out to the waiting lifeboat and assisted aboard. They were then returned safely to the shore at the lifeboat station. No further assistance was required and they were soon on their way.
The lifeboat and station were deep cleaned and disinfected and made ready for service.
Conditions at the time were calm with a force two east to north-easterly wind.
Speaking about the call out, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said: ‘The people on the island had checked the tides, however they had miscalculated the amount of time required to safely walk to the island and back. They made the right decision in staying on the island until help arrived. We’d like to remind the public, that if they see someone they thing is in trouble near the water to dial 999 and ask for the Coast Guard’
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Gerry Canning, Skerries RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 087 988 4965 or email gerryjcanning@gmail.com or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Ireland Media Officer on 087 648 3547 or email Nuala_McAloon@rnli.org.uk or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Ireland Media Manager on 087 1254 124 or Niamh_Stephenson@rnli.org.uk
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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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 142,700 lives.
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