Search for missing person – December 2012

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The Skerries Coast Guard team have been assisting Balbriggan Gardai since late December 2012 in the search for Paul Byrne, who was reported missing from the Rush, Co Dublin area. Paul Byrne (aged 24) was last seen at approximately 3am on the 25th December 2012 in the Sandy Lane area of Rush. Paul is described as 5′ 5″ in height, of thin build with blue eyes and short light brown hair. Further details are available from the Garda.ie website.

The Skerries Coast Guard team have carried out regular extensive low tide searches of the Rogerstown and Rush coastline area since late December, unfortunately with nothing to report. This coastal search is ongoing with further low tide searches planned for the coming days.

The Gardai have appealed for anyone who may be able to assist in locating Paul to contact Balbriggan Garda station at 01 8020510, the Garda confidential line 1800 666 111 or at any Garda station.

 

Irish Coast Guard saved 161 lives in 2012

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The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport today released the Irish Coast Guard’s rescue statistics, showing that 2012 was the Coast Guard’s busiest year since its foundation.

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar has commended Coast Skerries Coast GuardGuard Units and volunteers across Ireland for their hard work and commitment in assisting 2,593 people and saving 161 lives this year.

The Coast Guard statistics to Saturday 28th of December detail the assistance provided in 1,963 incidents and show about an 8% increase over 2011. This means that 2012 is the Coast Guards busiest year since its foundation. The previous highest number of incidents was in 2007 when the Coast Guard responded to 1,961 incidents. The statistical average since 2000 has been 1,820 per year.

The Minister was speaking at a joint Coast Guard/RNLI New Year training exercise Skerries Coast Gaurdin Howth today (Sunday). “The Coast Guard performs an essential role all year round. I want to extend my sincere thanks to every staff member and volunteer for their efforts during 2012, and to their families who support them at every step,” Minister Varadkar said.

“Funding for the Coast Guard has been protected for the second year running in the Budget. Similarly, funding for the RNLI and Mountain Rescue will be maintained at current levels through to 2016. These are essential services and much of the cost is met by volunteers. But I particularly want to pay tribute to the huge number of volunteers who save lives every week of the year. Without these volunteers, it simply wouldn’t be possible to provide the same level of emergency response.”

Skerries Coast Guard

These volunteers include 900 in the Coast Guard, 2,000 in the Royal National Lifeboat Institute, 300 community rescue boats and 500 mountain and cave rescue volunteers. They provide a 24 hour on-call service to respond to emergencies at sea, on our cliffs and coasts.

Minister Varadkar confirmed that a major water safety initiative will be launched this year, including a publicity campaign, new safety signs at slipways and piers, and a Safety on the Water website. RTE’s Search and Rescue programme, which involves the Coast Guard, will also promote water safety.

He also re-affirmed that the three existing marine Rescue Co-ordination Centres, which play an important role in responding to the thousands of incidents, will remain open following a review. This brings certainty to an issue which has caused much local concern in recent years.

You can read the full press release on the Department’s website.

Unusual vessel lights off Rush – 9th December 2012

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Shortly after 17:00 this evening, the Skerries Coast Guard team were tasked to investigate unusual vessel lights off the Rush coast, North of Lambay Island. A concerned member of public had contacted the Coast Guard having spotted what appeared to be an unusual flashing light onboard a fishing vessel off the coast. No other vessels were in the area and the light may have been an indication that the fishing vessel was in difficulty.

The Skerries Coast Guard team were on scene within minutes and observed the vessel. Using high-powered binoculars, the team were able to conclude that the light was an intermittent working light on the deck of the vessel and no further action was required.

Incident # 14 of 2012

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

 

Sharing the road with emergency vehicles – RSA advice

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The Road Safety Authority  of Ireland (RSA) has recently launched a safety advice booklet for motorists on sharing the road with emergency vehicles. The distant sound of sirens or the view of flashing blue lights can often signal the start of a dilemma for a motorist – how should they safely and quickly assist the emergency vehicle?

The RSA booklet gives plenty of tips and useful advice to motorists on how they can help these emergency vehicles whilst still staying safe on the road. The overall advice is not to panic. Instead plan and indicate your intentions well in advance. A full copy of the booklet is available from the RSA website’s publication section. Hard copies can also be requested from the RSA.

Skerries Coast Guard – a voluntary coastal rescue unit of the Irish Coast Guard.