Skerries RNLI respond to reports of person in distress near Ben head
Skerries RNLI were tasked by Dublin Coast Guard this afternoon (10 November) following a 999 call from a concerned member of the public who could hear what sounded like someone calling for help near Ben head north of Bremore in Balbriggan.
The pagers sounded for the volunteer crew shortly after midday. Minutes later the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat “Louis Simson” had been launched and was making it’s way towards the callers location.
The lifeboat arrived on scene to find that they had been joined in the search by the Coast Guard rescue helicopter R116, and a member of Skerries RNLI in their own rigid inflatable. Skerries Coast Guard unit were also on the shore.
All of the assets worked together to carry out a comprehensive search of the area, however, with nothing found, Dublin Coast Guard was satisfied it was a false alarm with good intent and the search was stood down.
At the time conditions were calm with a force one to two southerly wind.
Speaking about the call out, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said: ‘Thankfully in this case it transpired that nobody was in danger, however, it was a great example of how well the different search and rescue units work together as a team.’
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]
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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 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 142,700 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.