Tag Archives: Balbirggan

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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Yacht in difficulty, Balbriggan – 1st July 2014

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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.

Balbriggan blessing of the boats – 1st June 2014

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balbriggan_blessing_of_boats Skerries Coast Guard

This afternoon, members of the Skerries Coast Guard team attended the blessing of the boats at Balbriggan harbour. This blessing ceremony, part of the community’s annual SummerFest, was conducted by Fr Eugen Taaffe at the harbor and was attended by large crowds. The Skerries lifeboat and crew also attended the ceremony. The crew of local community website, Balbriggan.info were on hand to capture photos of the ceremony and more are available on their website – www.balbriggan.info

balbriggan_blessing_of_boats_Skerries Coast Guard

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

 

Vessel aground at Balbriggan – 24th April 2014

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Update 22:00 Friday 25th April 2014

FV Shirley Anne arriving into Balbriggan harbour under town from the FV Saint Elizabeth

FV Shirley Anne arriving into Balbriggan harbour under tow from the FV Saint Elizabeth

The FV Shirley Anne was successfully taken under tow to Balbriggan harbour this evening. After the afternoon’s repairs by the owner the FV successfully refloated on the evening’s high tide. The Skerries Coast Guard team monitored the towing operation from the nearby cliffs of Bremore. The Skerries lifeboat put a crew member on board the FV and assisted with establishing the tow with another FV, the Saint Elizabeth,  from Balbriggan harbour. Both FV arrived safely back into Balbriggan harbour shortly before 22:00. Clogherhead lifeboat also stood by in the area during the towing operation.

Update – Friday 25th April 2014Balbriggan FV

At first light this morning, the Skerries Coast Guard team checked on the grounded fishing vessel again. No pollution was noted in the area and the vessel remained intact and unmoved. Attempts will be made by the vessel’s owners to recover the vessel later today. The Coast Guard’s Dublin based helicopter, R116, also carried out an aerial observation of the area this morning. Further inspections are planned by the Coast Guard throughout today.

Balbriggan FV 2

Thursday 24th April 2014

At 21:30 this evening the Skerries Coast Guard team were tasked to assist with a report of a fishing vessel with 3 persons on board aground north of Balbrigan harbour. The razor fishing vessel “Shirley Anne” was holed and listing heavily. Conditions on scene, whilst reasonabley calm, were extremely challenging with thick fog resulting in limited visibility (<50m).

The Skerries Coast Guard team arrived at the scene within minutes and quickly located the vessel, lying offshore on rocks. Unfortunatey the team were unable to reach the vessel however communications links were established. The Coast Guard’s helicopter at Dublin airport was also tasked to the scene, however with the deteriorating weather conditions the crew were unable to deploy the winch to the fishing vessel. Gardai from Balbriggan also attended the scene at the shoreline.

Both the Skerries and Clogherhead lifeboats were tasked to the scene, and although hampered by the poor visibility, the Skerries lifeboat reached the striken vessel and recovered the three crew members safely aboard. Fortunately all 3 were uninjured.

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