Shortly before 18:00 this evening the Skerries Coast Guard team were tasked to investigate reports of a person in difficulty at Balbriggan harbour. The Coast Guard’s National Maritime Operations Centre in Dublin had received a 999 report from a member of the public of a person in difficulty in the water.

Fortunately, shortly before the arrival of the emergency services, a member of the public at the harbour assisted the casualty from the water. A Coast Guard helicopter, R116, was on exercise nearby and was on scene within minutes, lowering a winchman to assist with the rescue.

The Skerries Coast Guard team arrived at the harbour, along with Balbriggan DFB, Swords DFB Ambulance, and Balbriggan Gardai. The casualty was initially treated at the scene by advanced paramedics and then brought to hospital.

Local website, Balbriggan.info, has some photos of the rescue.

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

Incident # 8 of 2013