Howth RNLI launch both lifeboats to aid kayakers in difficulty
The volunteer lifeboat crew of Howth RNLI launched both their Inshore and All-Weather lifeboats today (Sunday 13 March) to reports of six kayakers in difficulty off the coast of Malahide with one person having capsized and struggling in the water.
Howth inshore lifeboat was launched at 11:55am and the Howth all-weather lifeboat launched shortly after. Weather conditions were poor with strong easterly winds and one-metre-high seas.
Both lifeboats made their way to Malahide to commence a search for the kayakers. Once on scene, the crew of Howth inshore lifeboat located four of the kayakers north of Malahide. Two crew members entered the water to help the kayakers ashore onto Donabate Beach. The crew assessed the kayakers and brought them to a safe location on the beach before they were handed into the care of the Howth Coast Guard Unit. The two remaining kayakers had made their way ashore on the southern side of Malahide estuary and were also assisted by the Howth Coast Guard Unit.
Speaking following the call-out, Howth RNLI inshore lifeboat Helm, Lorcan Dignam said, ‘Thankfully this call-out in difficult conditions ended well with all kayakers returned safely to shore. Our crews train in all conditions so that when the pager goes off, we can respond quickly and save lives at sea.'
'Weather and sea conditions can change very quickly, so it’s really important to check the weather forecast and what the tides are doing before you go out on the water. It’s also very important to have a way of calling for help and keeping it within reach. If you’re kayaking, a handheld VHF radio or even a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch can help you communicate if you get into trouble.’
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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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