The crew of local website www.balbriggan.info were at the visit of the Coast Guard helicopter to the Naul GFC this morning and took some fantastic photos. These and more are available from their website – www.balbriggan.info
Skerries Coast Guard – a voluntary rescue unit of the Irish Coast Guard.
There was great excitment in the air as over 150 local national school pupls eagerly awaited the arrival of the Coast Guard’s Sikorsky S61 helicopter to The Clann Mhuire GFC, Naul village. Children and parents had the opportunity to have a look around the helicopter and learn about the search & rescue work of the Coast Guard.
The Balbriggan Fire Brigade crew also attened the landing and took part in a training briefing on helicopter operations. The Coast Guard’s Sikorsky S61 helicopter has played a vital role in numerous rescues in the local area in recent time, most recently at Balbirggan harbour earlier this week. Many thanks for Balbriggan DFB for taking part in the exercise.
More photos of the exercise are available in our online gallery.
Skerries Coast Guard – a voluntary rescue unit of the Irish Coast Guard
Skerries Coast Guard were tasked this morning to assist with efforts to refloat a live stranded Pilot whale at Gormanston Beach following a request from the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group. A large Pilot whale, approximately 25 ft in length, was stranded in shallow water on the beach.
Thanks to a combined and considerable “hands on” effort from members of Skerries Coast Guard, the Army (from Gormanston Camp), Irish Whale & Dolphin Group, Boyne Fishermen’s Rescue, Skerries lifeboat and members of the public the whale was successfully refloated from the beach.
The Coast Guard’s Rescue 116 helicopter was already airborne in the area and maintained observations on the whale’s progress from a safe distance. Once refloated, the whale made good progress swimming out to sea.
RTE News reported on the whale rescue in their 6 o’clock news bulletin, featuring an interview with Skerries Coast Guard’s Gary Creighton, who assisted with the rescue. A second, smaller whale was discovered later in the day, deceased on Mornington Beach. The news report is available to view on the RTE website.
Incident # 10 of 2013
Skerries Coast Guard – a voluntary rescue unit of the Irish Coast Guard
Shortly before 08:00 this morning, the Coast Guard received a 999 call from a concerned member of the public at the South Strand, Skerries. The caller had spotted an adult swimmer in the water who appeared to be making little progress and may require assistance.
The Skerries Coast Guard team were on minutes and observed the swimmer, who now appeared to be making good headway and a small private boat was now nearby in the water. The team concluded the swimmer, who was wearing a wetsuit, was ok and was likely taking a break when spotted. No further action was required and the team were stood down.
Incident # 09 of 2013
After departing the scene, one of the now off duty Skerries Coast Guard team was at another section of the beach and heard desperate cries for help. Another swimmer in the water, only several metres from the shore, was in considerable pain and incapacitated due to sudden severe cramp. The member rushed into the water, along with a member of the public and retrieved the swimmer to safety on the beach.
We would urge members of the public to be extremely vigilant and if you spot someone who could be in difficulty in the water to dial 999 or 112 and ask for the COAST GUARD. Your call could save their life.