Back to back call outs for Skerries RNLI

The volunteers in Skerries, launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat “Louis Simson”, and navigated around red island and through the islands at Skerries before proceeding to the position provided by the casualty vessel.

Arriving on scene, the lifeboat spotted the vessel, an 8.5 metre motorboat with 3 persons on board. Once alongside, it was established that all on board were well, however the vessel had suffered complete engine failure and was drifting in the direction of the rocks around Lambay. With no other suitable towing vessel in the area, the helm decided that best course of action would be to tow the boat to the nearest safe port in Malahide.

A stern tow was established initially, switching to an alongside tow before entering the channel for Malahide marina. The vessel and all aboard were brought safely alongside the jetty in the marina.

As the lifeboat was departing the marina, they were tasked a second time by Dublin Coast Guard to assist a sailing vessel with 1 adult and four children on board that had become grounded in the estuary in Malahide.

The lifeboat quickly located the vessel and established that they had already requested assistance from a sailing club rescue boat. The lifeboat stood by until the rescue boat arrived and took the four children safely aboard. The skipper opted to stay with the vessel until it refloated on the tide. The volunteers on the lifeboat assisted in ensuring that the vessel was securely anchored before being stood down by Dublin Coast Guard and returning to Skerries.

Conditions at the time were force two to three northerly winds with good visibility and a slightly choppy sea.

Speaking about the call outs, volunteer lifeboat press officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said “In both incidents everyone was wearing a lifejacket and both vessels were well maintained and well equipped for safety. It just goes to show that no matter how well prepared you are, things can and do go wrong at sea. That’s why our volunteers are on call 24/7, 365 days a year.”