At 12:55 this afternoon, the volunteers of Skerries Coast Guard were tasked by the Irish Coast Guard’s Marine Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) to investigate reports that three adults may have been cut off by the tide near Shenick Island, Skerries. Concerned members of the public on the South Strand had contacted the emergency services as the persons appeared to be in difficulty.
Members of the Skerries team were on scene at the South Strand shoreline within minutes and observed three adults stranded on the sand bank near Shenick Island. Lifeguards on duty at the South Strand had already swam out to the persons to prevent them from attempting to swim to shore. Given the fast incoming tide, the Coast Guard immediately requested a nearby civilian RIB to provide assistance to the persons.
The civilian vessel arrived within minutes and took all persons on board, brought them safely to the shoreline, where the Skerries Coast Guard team, along with the beach lifeguards, were on hand to provide assistance. Fortunately the casualties had only been waiting a short time before they were spotted and did not require any treatment.
Remember: if you spot someone in difficulty on the coast or shoreline, even if you only think that they may be in difficulty, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the COAST GUARD. Do not assume that someone else has made the call.
Incident # 7 of 2009