Search for missing fishermen – 1st April 2011

At 18:30 on Friday 1st April 2011 the Skerries Coast Guard team were tasked by the Coast Guard’s maritime coordination centre to investigate reports of an overdue fishing vessel with two persons on board. The Coast Guard’s rescue helicopter, R116, was immediately scrambled from its base at Dublin airport. The initial at sea search was concentrated near the islands off Skerries and also involved several lifeboats and local vessels. The Skerries Coast Guard team conducted a shoreline search for several miles along the Skerries coast, and this continued into the early hours of the following morning.

This incident is ongoing and the Skerries Coast Guard team, together with Coast Guard teams from Howth, Clogherhead, Drogheda and Greenore are conducting regular and extensive shoreline searches along the coast from Rush, Co Dublin extending northwards to Greenore, near Carlingford Lough. Throughout this area, large numbers of the local public are also assisting with the search. To date, several other organisations have also been involved in the search effort including  the Civil Defence, RNLI, Garda dive unit, Navy dive unit, Aer Corps and numerous local vessels.

At 02:00 on the morning of Saturday 9th April, the bodies of these two fishermen were recovered by a fishing vessel SE of Clogherhead. The Coast Guard extends its sympathies to the families and friends of the men. Throughout the incident, the public have shown unrelenting support and dedication in assisting with the search effort and the Coast Guard would like to sincerely thank them for this.

Incident #5 of 2011

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Fishing boat in difficulty – 24th March 2011

At 14:21 this afternoon, the Skerries Coast Guard team were tasked to investigate reports of a boat in difficulty at Skerries. Concerned members of the public had contacted the Coast Guard on 999 as the boat appeared to be in difficulty, with possible onboard mechanical failure.

Within minutes, Skerries Coast Guard personnel arrived at Red Island, near Skerries harbour and quickly located the boat, not far from the shoreline. The boat appeared to be engaged in fishing and after observing for a time, the Skerries team concluded that the boat did not require assistance.

Incident #4 of 2011

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Unusual lights off Skerries – 20th March 2011

At 04:26 this morning, Skerries Coast Guard were tasked by the Coast Guard’s maritime operations centre to investigate public reports of persons in difficulty on one of the islands off Skerries. Given the recent spring tides, there was concern that persons may have ventured out to the island on foot and been cut off by the incoming tide.

The Skerries Coast Guard team arrived at the South Strand, Skerries and observed the island, noting several lights along the island’s shoreline. After, surveying the area, the Skerries Coast Guard team concluded that the persons were not in difficulty and no further assistance was required.

Remember – if you spot someone in difficulty along the coast, or even if you think that someone may be in difficulty, dial 112 or 999 and ask for the COAST GUARD. Your call could save their life.

Incident #3 of 2011

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Missing person at Portrane beach – 27th September 2010

At 19:17 this evening, the volunteers of Skerries Coast Guard were tasked to investigate a missing person report. A vigilant member of the public had contacted the Coast Guard on 999. They had spotted a person entering the water on Portrane beach and minutes later noted that they had failed to return. The Coast Guard immediately launched a major rescue operation, tasking all of the State’s emergency services to the area (Gardai, Fire Brigade, Ambulance, and Coast Guard rescue teams). The Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 116, based nearby at Dublin Airport was scrambled to the scene. The Howth all weather lifeboat was on exercise in the area and was also requested to assist. With darkness falling rapidly, a search of the Portrane shoreline commenced. Fortunately, the person was quickly spotted and rescued from the water some distance from the shore. The casualty was evacuated from the scene for medical treatment.

Remember – if you spot someone in difficulty on the coast or cliffs, call 999 or 112 and ask for the COAST GUARD. Your call could save their life.

Incident # 23 of 2010

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