Algal bloom alert – July 2013

Posted on by

Algal bloom at North Beach, Skerries

Skerries Coast Guard would remind the public to be alert for any outbreaks of Algal Blooms along the coast. These blooms are often referred to as Red Tide. These blooms are common after periods of very warm weather and can present as a red or orange cloudy discolouration of the water. While these Algal Blooms are generally harmless to humans, it is best that they are properly checked out and water samples taken.

If you spot any Algal Blooms along the coast, please notify the Coast Guard on 999 or 112.

Live firing at Gormanston Range

Posted on by

Live firing Gormonston

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport have issued Marine Notice #31 of 2013 advising the public of forthcoming live surface to air firing at Gormanston Range on 17th July 2013 from 11:30 to 13:30 BST.

The danger area comprises the lands of Gormanston Aerodrome and the Air and Sea areas contained within a radius of 3 nautical miles centred on Gormanston Aerodrome, with an additional area contained within a segment centred on Gormanston Aerodrome and bearing of 015º degrees true, through Mosney Railway Station and 106º degrees true, through Gormanston Railway Station seawards for a distance of 10 nautical miles. For the periods whilst the Range is active the sea zone within the danger area is excluded to all vessels.

A Naval Service patrol vessel will enforce the exclusion zone. The exclusion zone ‘D1’ is indicated on British Admiralty Chart No. 44.

All vessels are advised that they are required to remain outside of the exclusion zone whilst the Range is active.

All vessels in the area are recommended to carefully monitor the Radio Navigation Warnings that will be broadcast during the firing period.

Reported debris at Loughshinny – 8th July 2013

Posted on by

This evening the Skerries Coast Guard team were tasked to investigate reports of possible netting debris adrift in the water near Loughshinny. A concerned member of the public had contacted the Coast Guard, fearing the drifting debris may pose a danger to vessels operating in the area.

The Skerries team arrived on scene and with the help from the caller, located the object in the water. The team determined that the nets were not adrift, were well anchored to the shore and were well marked with rope buoys. The nets did not pose a danger to vessels and no further action was required.

Incident # 13 of 2013

Training with Coast Guard helicopter – 7th July 2013

Posted on by

This morning the Skerries Coast Guard team took part in a routine training exercise with one of the Coast Guard’s Sikorsky S61N helicopters at Red Island. The Skerries team prepared the landing site, including deploying smoke flares, for the 9am arrival.

The Skerries CG team received a practical brief and practice of winching techniques and the use of the highline. Embarkation and disembarkation procedures were also covered in the brief. Thereafter, the team took part in a live winch and flight exercise.

FLIR console Skerries Coast Guard

SCG team member at the FLIR camera console onboard the CG helicopter during the training flight.

This may be one of the last outings for this particular aircraft, EI-RCG, which is due to be retired very shortly as part of the Coast Guard’s fleet upgrade programme.

Photos of the exercise will be available on our online photo gallery.