Early morning call out for Skerries RNLI

The casualty had reported their position to be between Skerries and Balbriggan, approximately 200 meters from the shore, so the volunteers in Skerries, launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat “Louis Simson”, and proceeded to head towards Balbriggan harbour.

The lifeboat crew quickly spotted the casualty vessel, a 9 meter yacht with one man on board, and made their way alongside. It was established that while trying to break his anchor free from the bottom, the chain had become entangled in his steering and propeller. However, as the lifeboat was standing off the vessel, the lifeboat crew could see that the anchor chain appeared to have worked itself free, so a volunteer was put on board to assist the main in raising the anchor. Once the anchor was safely recovered, the lifeboat collected the volunteer crew from the casualty before escorting the vessel for a few minutes. With the man satisfied that all was well and he was happy to continue his journey, the lifeboat stood down and returned to the station.

Conditions at the time were force three north westerly winds with good visibility and a slightly sea swell.

Speaking about the call out, volunteer lifeboat press officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said “This was an early start for our volunteers, but they are always ready to respond at any time of the day or night. The person in difficulty took the correct course of action in dialling 999 and asking for the Coast Guard”