Tag Archives: Irish Coast Guard

Pyrotechnics training at Hampton Cove, Balbriggan

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Skerries Coast Guard training Hampton Cove, Balbriggan

This morning, the Skerries Coast Guard team conducted a pyrotechnic training exercise at Hampton Cove, Balbriggan approximately 5 miles north of Skerries. The team regularly undertake training in the handling, preparation and firing of these white parachute flares. Weather conditions on scene were excellent, with prevailing light offshore winds and good visibility.

Typically, the Skerries Coast Guard team deploy these white parachute flares during night incidents when they are very effective at illuminating large areas of the shoreline.

Remember – if you spot someone in difficulty on the shore, or even think that someone might be in difficulty, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the COAST GUARD. Your call could save a life.

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Report of flare off Rush – 11th October 2014

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Shortly after 21:00 this evening, the Skerries Coast Guard team were tasked to investigate a flare report off the coast of Rush, approximately 4 miles south of Skerries. A flight crew member of a passing passenger jet reported seeing one yellow flare off the Rush coast. The Skerries team carried out a shoreline search of the area with nothing further to report. No further flares were observed or reported.

No further action was required and the Skerries team returned to base.

Remember – if you spot someone in difficulty on the coast, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the COAST GUARD. Do not assume that someone else will make that call.

Skerries Coast Guard White parachute flare

Exercise with Coast Guard helicopter – 24 August 2014

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Skerries Coast Guard Rescue 116

Early this morning the Skerries Coast Guard team were out in force at Red Island, Skerries for a routine training exercise with the Coast Guard’s Dublin based Sikorsky helicopter. The team selected and prepared the landing site, deploying smoke flares to assist the helicopter crew with wind speed/direction assessment. The Sikorsky S92 helicopter, EI-ICR, landed on at Red Island at 09:30, having made the trip from its base at Dublin Airport in approximately 10 minutes.

The Skerries team were also joined by their fellow volunteers from the neighbouring station of Clogherhead Coast Guard. All members took part in a briefing and practical exercise, covering key SAR operational procedures.

The helicopter departed shortly before 12:00, after completing a winching exercise at the Red Island site. The Skerries Coast Guard team would like to thank all the public fo complying with the directions of Coast Guard personnel while this exercise took place.

Photos of this and earlier exercises will be shortly available in our online gallery.

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

Jetskis at Skerries – 3 August 2014

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This evening, the Skerries Coast Guard team were tasked to investigate reports of Jetskis acting in a wreckless manner near designated swimming areas on the Skerries coast. Several concerned members of the public had contacted the Coast Guard’s Operations Centre on 999 to report the three jetskis.

The Skerries Coast Guard team quickly located the jetskis upon arrival at the harbour area. The three were signalled to return to the slipway and duly complied. Members of the Skerries Coast Guard team and Gardai from Balbriggan spoke with the 3 jetski operators and reminded them of the provisions of the Fingal County Council Bye-Laws governing the use of Jetskis in the area. A copy of these bye-laws are also available from the Council’s website www.fingalcoco.ie

Remember – if you spot any jetskis or powerboats being operated in a manner or area that might cause a nuisance or danger to other water users including swimmers, contact the Coast Guard on 999 or 112.