Skerries RNLI rescue three men in two boats
Skerries RNLI volunteers were tasked by Dublin Coast Guard shortly after 3pm on Tuesday (December 16) afternoon to investigate reports of two vessels in difficulty near the Perch buoy off Skerries.
On Tuesday afternoon, Dublin Coast Guard received a 999 call reporting that two vessels appeared to be in difficulty between the Perch buoy in Skerries and the rocky shoreline to the rear of the lifeboat station. The volunteers in Skerries launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat “Louis Simson” and proceeded directly towards the two casualty vessels, which they had already established a visual on while launching.
One of the boats, with two men on board, had become disabled after fouling their propeller and striking rocks. The second boat, with one man on board, had attempted to offer assistance, and unfortunately also struck rocks after fouling their propeller.
Both boats were located in an area that is susceptible to strong currents. With the light beginning to fade, and the tide starting to flood, the Helm decided that the safest course of action would be to tow them, one at a time, to the safety of Skerries harbour.
One of the boats had an anchor deployed, so it was decided to tow the other one first. The lifeboat was carefully positioned close enough to allow a volunteer crew member board the vessel and assist in securing a line. A tow was established, and the boat was brought carefully into deeper water before being towed to the harbour. The lifeboat then returned to the second boat and repeated the procedure.
Dublin Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 was also tasked and stood by until the lifeboat had established a tow.
Conditions at the time were force three to four westerly winds with a smooth sea and good visibility.
Speaking about the call outs, volunteer lifeboat press officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said “It was unusual to have to two casualty vessels on a single rescue so close to the station, but our volunteers train hard to ensure they are well prepared to deal with whatever situation they come across Thanks to the skill of our volunteers all three men made it safely ashore.”
Volunteers Afloat: Philip Ferguson (Helm), Joe May, Joe Keane, Aileen Boylan
Launch and Operations Volunteers: Shane Jenkinson, Paul Hamilton, Jim Boylan, Stuart Dalziel, Ronnie Horan, Peter Duff
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 Treasa Ni Bhraonain, RNLI Communications Placement on 0874764436 or [email protected].
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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