Reported debris at Loughshinny – 8th July 2013

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

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.

Search Training at South Strand, Skerries

This evening the Skerries Coast Guard team were out in force at Red Island and South Strand, Skerries for their regular search training. Following the scenario of a person reporting missing in the area, two search teams were dispatched. One commenced from the Northern boundary of the search area and one from the South. The “missing person” target was successfully located during the initial search sweep within the area.

This was followed up with some first aid training, focusing on the spinal immobilization and extraction of a casualty from the sand dune area.

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.

Report of swimmer in difficulty, Skerries – 26th June 2013

scg-3

At 17:00 the Coast Guard’s operations centre received  report of a possible swimmer in difficulty in the area of Colt Island, Skerries. The Skerries Coast Guard team were tasked to investigate and the Skerries lifeboat was also launched. Conditions in the area were difficult for swimming, with a strong Spring ebbing tide. Fortunately the situation was quickly resolved, as a nearby kayaker assisted the swimmer in reaching the safety of the South Strand shoreline.

Incident # 12 of 2013

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