Skerries RNLI respond to reports of windsurfers in difficulty

Shortly before 6.30pm yesterday evening Dublin Coast Guard tasked Skerries RNLI following a call from a concerned member of the public. They had reported that two windsurfers were approximately one mile offshore at Gormanstown and were struggling to make their way back to the beach.

The volunteer crew launched the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat “Louis Simson” and navigated to the position indicated by the caller. Arriving on scene they quickly spotted the windsurfers and approached them to speak to them. The windsurfers confirmed that they were not in any difficulty but were planning on returning to shore anyway. The lifeboat stood by while they made their way back to the beach safely.

The lifeboat returned to the station lifeboat and where its was deep cleaned and made ready for the next call out.

At the time there was a force one southerly wind blowing and a smooth sea.

Speaking about the call out, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said: ‘Thankfully on this occasion there was no assistance required and it was a false alarm with good intent. The member of the public was genuinely concerned for their safety and did the right thing in dialling 999 and asking 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 [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 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.