Skerries RNLI launch to paddle boarder in distress
Skerries RNLI were tasked yesterday morning (Wednesday 25 May) by Dublin Coast Guard following 999 calls reporting a person in distress in the water off Bettystown beach.
Shortly before 11.30am the volunteers in Skerries launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat “Louis Simson”. The crew plotted a course for Bettystown beach and proceeded to make their way to the location given as quickly as possible through difficult weather conditions.
Dublin Coast Guard had also tasked Rescue Helicopter R116, and just as the lifeboat was arriving on scene, they had begun winching a woman from the water. She had been blown out to sea on her paddle board and was exhausted and very cold. R116 then landed on the beach, and with the assistance of Drogheda Coast Guard Unit, the woman was transferred to an awaiting ambulance.
To prevent any hazards to navigation, or any additional 999 calls regarding the board, Dublin Coast Guard requested that the lifeboat locate and recover it from the water. The lifeboat located the board just over a mile away and recovered it into the boat before proceeding back to the station in Skerries.
Conditions at the time were force six north westerly wind with a moderate chop to the sea and good visibility.
Speaking about the call out, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said: ‘This is a great example of all the rescue services working together to ensure the best possible outcome. We would advise anyone intending to be on or near the water to check the weather and tides for the local area.’
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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