Jetskis at Skerries – 3 August 2014

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.

Rescue at Donabate – 1st July 2014

SCG vehicle

Late this evening the Skerries Coast Guard team were tasked to assist with a rescue near Donabate beach, Co Dublin. The Coast Guard’s Maritime Control Centre had received a report that a group of three persons had raised the alarm having become disoriented in the area due to the falling darkness and unusually fast incoming tide.

The Skerries Coast Guard team, with the guidance of the Coast Guard’s Dublin based Sikorsky S92 helicopter (Rescue 116) located the group and assisted them to navigate through the rough terrain and back to safety.

Remember – if you find yourself in difficulty along the coast, do not hesitate to raise the alarm. Dial 999 or 112 and ask for the COAST GUARD.

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

 

Yacht in difficulty, Balbriggan – 1st July 2014

Skerries Coast Guard Balbriggan harbour high tide

Early this afternoon, the Skerries Coast Guard team were tasked to investigate a report of a yacht in difficulty north of Balbriggan harbour. The yacht appeared to have sustained a fouled propeller and required assistance. A nearby motor vessel on scene provided a tow to bring the yacht to the safety of Balbriggan harbour. The Skerries Coast Guard team inspected the yacht at the harbour and confirmed with the skipper that no serious damage was sustained. No further assistance was required.

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.

Coast Guard Helicopter visit to Donabate school

This morning, members of the Skerries Coast Guard team were out at the Portrane/Donabate peninsula for a landing of the Coast Guard’s Dublin based Sikorsky S92 helicopter (Rescue 116). The helicopter landing was eagerly awaited by a large crowd of 450 primary pupils of Donabate’s Scoil Phadraic Cailini.

Donabate heli Skerries CGU

The Skerries team prepared the landing site for the helicopter at Donabate’s St Pats GAA Club. Orange smoke flares were deployed to assist with wind speed/direction indication for the helicopter crew. After a couple of circuits, the helicopter landed down safely at Donabate shortly after 09:30. Once shutdown was complete, each class of pupils along with their teacher were provided with an enjoyable and informative tour of the impressive Coast Gaurd helicopter by a member of the flight crew. Included in these talks was also important advice on water safety, particularly vital as we approach the summer holidays.

After almost 1.5 hours on scene at Donabate, the visit concluded and the Coast Guard helicopter departed back to its nearby base at Dublin Airport. Skerries Coast Guard would like to sincerely thank the Principal of the school at Donabate, Margaret O’Neill, for her assistance in organising this Coast Guard visit to the school.

This helicopter visit is one of the many water safety awareness talks and events organised by Skerries Coast Guard each year with local schools in our operational area from Laytown to Malahide.  For more information on these water safety visits, take a look at our Water Safety page.

More photos of the visit will shortly be available in our online gallery.

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