
Wicklow RNLI launch to investigate emergency beacon activation
Wicklow all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O’Shea was launched just before noon today (Wednesday 10 July) following a Coast Guard pager alert, to reports of an EPIRB (emergency distress beacon) activation in the Wicklow area.
The lifeboat under the command of Coxswain Ciaran Doyle and a volunteer crew were tasked to search from Wicklow Head to Six Mile Point. Passing boats were checked to make sure everything was ok or if assistance was required.
An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is a device carried on vessels that transmits a signal indicating that a person or a vessel maybe in immediate danger when activated.
The Coast Guard rescue helicopter from Dublin and the Irish Naval vessel LE George Bernard Shaw were also involved in the search. Wicklow Lifeboat was stood down at 1:10pm by the Coast Guard, as they were satisfied no vessel was in distress following an extensive sea search.
Speaking after the call out, Lifeboat Press Officer, Tommy Dover said: ’This was a nice milestone for our volunteer crew today, as it was the first ‘Shout’ for RNLB Bridie O’Shea, which has now been allocated permanently at Wicklow. The lifeboat will be on display during our Annual Station Open Day this Sunday, and all are welcome, doors open at 1pm.’
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.
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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.