Skerries RNLI respond to reports of upturned kayak
On Saturday evening last (Saturday 14 April) Skerries RNLI were tasked by Dublin Coast Guard to investigate a report of an upturned kayak near Ben Head on Gormanston beach.
Shortly before 7pm the pagers were sounded for the volunteers in Skerries and they quickly launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat “Louis Simson”. The crew navigated their way safely beyond the harbour before setting a course directly for Gormanston beach.
As the lifeboat approached the area, an object was quickly spotted in the water. From a distance it did resemble a capsized craft, however upon closer inspection it was identified as an inflatable mark belonging to the Defence Forces in Gormanston Camp and was securely anchored in position.
This information was relayed to Dublin Coast Guard who decided that it was a false alarm with good intent and released the lifeboat from service. The lifeboat returned to station where it was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for the next service.
Conditions at the time were force one to two east to south easterly wind with calm seas and good visibility.
Speaking about the call out, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said: ‘Thankfully in this case it was a false alarm. However, the person who dialled 999 and asked for the Coast Guard genuinely believed that someone was in difficulty on the water and did exactly the right thing.’
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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