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Skerries RNLI assist in multi agency rescue of injured paraglider

Lifeboats News Release

On Saturday (07 September) morning, Skerries RNLI were requested to assist in the evacuation of an injured paraglider from the base of the cliff at Barnageeragh beach, between Skerries and Balbriggan.

Skerries RNLI Atlantic 85 Louis Simson

RNLI/Gerry Canning

Skerries RNLI Atlantic 85 Louis Simson

The volunteer crew launched the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat “Louis Simson” shortly after 9.30am at the request of Dublin Coast Guard. A paraglider had landed on the rocks at Barnageeragh beach and was being attended to by members of Skerries Coast Guard, Dublin Fire Brigade and the National Ambulance service.

Arriving on scene, two volunteers were made their way ashore to offer assistance and discuss possible extraction points from the beach. With the casualty being treated for a potential spinal injury, it was decided that, due to the terrain underfoot and the direction of the swell, extraction using the lifeboat would pose too much of a risk.

The Coast Guard tasked the rescue helicopter R116 to recover the casualty from the beach. The helicopter landed on the beach and the lifeboat volunteers assisted Dublin Fire Brigade crew in loading the casualty on board.

Speaking after the call out, volunteer lifeboat press officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said “Once again we’ve seen a great example of how volunteers and professionals in the emergency services work seamlessly together in difficult situations. It’s not an easy location to access carrying rescue equipment so well done to everyone involved.”

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 Regional Communications Manager on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 087 1254 124 or [email protected] or Tom McGuire, Regional Communications Manager on 0874764436 or email [email protected]


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.

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