Skerries RNLI rescue two adults and two children in inflatable kayak
Skerries RNLI rescued two adults and two children on Sunday (25 July) afternoon after their inflatable kayak had been pulled out to sea by strong currents.
On Sunday afternoon, just before 2pm, Dublin Coast Guard requested Skerries RNLI to launch their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat to respond to a Pan-Pan VHF call. A group of experienced sea kayakers raised the alarm after they had encountered an inflatable kayak with two adults and two children on board struggling to make way against the wind and the tide.
The lifeboat was launched and proceeded immediately to the area where the kayak had been spotted, east of Colt island in Skerries. The crew soon spotted the casualty, who had been towed by the other kayakers into the shelter of the island.
All four were taken on board the lifeboat, and to avoid any hazards to navigation, or further call outs for the kayak itself, it too was taken on board. A quick assessment of casualties showed that they were all unharmed and did not require medical assistance.
They were brought safely back to the lifeboat station in Skerries and were soon on their way home.
Conditions at the time were calm with a force three south easterly wind.
Speaking about the call out, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said: ‘It was encouraging to see all four wearing lifejackets and they had a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch. However, no matter how prepared you are, sometimes you can get caught out. We’d like to say a big thank you to the other kayakers who recognised the danger of what was happening, made the call for help, and stayed with the casualty until that help arrived. They played a huge part in ensuring a good outcome.’
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.