30/09/2019
Sunday 25 August 2019
Dun Laoghaire RNLI responded to a 34ft yacht unexpectedly dismasted while sailing near Dalkey Island.
The volunteer lifeboat crew was requested to launch the all-weather lifeboat (ALB), the Anna Livia at 2.15pm (Sunday August 25). The skipper aboard the yacht was able to call the Coast Guard, as he had a backup VHF radio.
The weather conditions were good and calm.
Once on the scene, the lifeboat volunteer crew checked that the skipper was safe and uninjured. He and his yacht were then towed back to Dun Laoghaire.
Commenting after the call out, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Coxswain Mark McGibney said:
‘In this situation where the yacht unexpectedly dismasted. The skipper was able to alert the coast guard, as thankfully he had a backup handheld VHF radio. It is also essential to always carry a means of communication’.
21 August 2019
Million-euro training fund helps local lifesaver learn vital skills
A recently recruited volunteer crew member at Dun Laoghaire RNLI lifeboat station will have a vital part of their crew training funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation.
Laura Jackson, 27 from Bangor, Co. Down but now living in Dun Laoghaire will travel to the RNLI College in Poole, Dorset, to complete the charity’s Crew Emergency Procedures course. Laura was inspired to join up as a volunteer crew member for the charity because even from an early age, Laura was driven to help people. Her love for being on the water and all things boats meant she was destined to join the RNLI in 2016.
The course sees volunteer crew being trained in a variety of crucial subjects such as how to deal with fires aboard lifeboats, how to ‘abandon ship’ in the event of an emergency (with a 4m jump into water), team survival swimming, coping in a life-raft in simulated darkness, how to right a capsized inshore lifeboat, and the importance of lifejackets. It also includes sessions on the correct use of flares, fire extinguishers and throw bags.
Talking about the training, Laura, who volunteers as crew and community safety officer, said: ‘I’m Very much looking forward to going over to Poole and doing the crew procedures course. The facilities they have over there are amazing and I am sure I will be working with some great trainers as well with fellow crew.’
Laura’s training will take place in the Sea Survival Centre at the RNLI College, where she will be joined by other RNLI volunteer crew members from around the UK and Ireland.
The training was funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a charitable foundation that helps to protect life and property by supporting engineering-related education, public engagement and the application of research. The Foundation has committed to funding the RNLI’s Crew Emergency Procedures course for a second 5-year period until December 2020. This additional funding of €1,208,400 brings their total support for RNLI crew training to just over €2,804,400* since 2008. More than 3,000 RNLI volunteer crew members have now received the training thanks to Lloyd’s Register Foundation’s funding.
James Kilburn, Lifesaving Delivery Training Manager at the RNLI said, ‘We are so grateful to Lloyd’s Register Foundation for funding this vital part of our volunteer crews’ training.
‘Their support is very important to us and it’s fantastic how, so far, over 3,000 of our crew members have benefitted from Lloyd’s Register Foundation funding this part of their training. As only one in ten of our volunteer crew members comes from a professional maritime background, the Crew Emergency Procedures course is crucial in giving our volunteers the training they need and helping keep them as safe as possible while carrying out rescues. It gives volunteers the confidence to save lives even in the most challenging conditions.’
This donation is the latest in Lloyd’s Register Foundation’s relationship with the RNLI, which was recognised in 2010 when it received the Group Supporter Award from HRH Prince Michael of Kent in recognition of its valuable support of the charity.
Monday 15 July 2019
Dun Laoghaire RNLI rescues man found clinging to capsized boat in Dalkey
Dun Laoghaire RNLI rescued a man this afternoon (Monday 15 July) who was found clinging to his capsized boat off Dalkey.
The volunteer lifeboat crew was requested to launch their inshore lifeboat at 3.52pm following a report from the Irish Coast Guard that a boat had capsized and a man was in the sea off Dalkey. Several members of the public had reported seeing the man in difficulty and raised the alarm.
The weather conditions were good and there was clear visibility.
The lifeboat launched immediately helmed by Gary Hayes and with two other crew members onboard, Paul Cummins and Ronan Adams.
Arriving on scene, the crew observed that a local fisherman was assisting the casualty by keeping him afloat from his boat (5.5m) with the aid of a boat hook. The crew proceeded to take the man out of the water and assess his condition before administering casualty care.
The Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 from Dublin was also tasked and met the lifeboat crew at Collimore Harbour in Dalkey where the man was given more casualty care. A local doctor was also present at the scene and assisted the casualty until the ambulance arrived minutes later. He was subsequently transferred to St Vincent’s Hospital for further treatment.
Commenting after the call out, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Helm Gary Hayes said:
‘This was a tremendous effort from all involved. We would like to extend our praise to the members of the public who alerted the emergency services as quickly as they did. We also want to thank the local fisherman for his help in this rescue and for his efforts to saving a life.’
Saturday 15 June 2019
Dun Laoghaire RNLI comes to the aid of 18ft open motor boat broken down off sandymount, Co. Dublin
Dun Laoghaire RNLI responded to an 18ft motor yacht with two people onboard (Saturday 15 June) when their vessel ran aground near Sandymount.
The volunteer lifeboat crew of three was requested to launch their inshore lifeboat(ILB) at 4.11pm following a report from the Irish Coast Guard. The engine had failed on the motor boat and subsequently got stuck in the sand.
The weather conditions were good, calm with light winds from the south east.
The one man and one woman were brought safely ashore back to the marina at Dun Laoghaire.
Commenting after the call out, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Helms, Gary Hayes said:
‘As this is the summer season, people should have there boats serviced and always carry a form of communication. Don’t hesitate in calling the coastguard for assistance.'
Sunday 27 January 2019
Dun Laoghaire & Wicklow RNLI comes to the aid of paddle boarder in distress just South of Bray Head
Dun Laoghaire RNLI responded to a paddle boarder who got into difficulty between Bray Head and Greystones.
The volunteer lifeboat crew was requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat (ALB) at 12.03pm (Sunday January 27). The ALB launched at 12.20pm. A paddle boarder had got into difficulty between Bray Head and Greystones.
The Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 116 and Wicklow RNLI all-weather lifeboat were also tasked to the incident south of Bray head.
The weather conditions were not good with strong gale force winds.
Dun Laoghaire RNLI lifeboat crew of seven spotted the casualty who was clinging to his board and appeared in trouble. Thirty nine minutes after the launch, the crew had the casualty onboard the ALB. The crew quickly assessed he was suffering from serious hypothermia.
The casualty was airlifted to hospital by the Coast Guard. Wicklow RNLI lifeboat recovered the paddle board and stood by as the casualty was winched onto the helicopter.
Commenting after the call out, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Second Coxswain, Eamon O’Leary said:
‘The paddle boarder had suffered serious hypothermia when we arrived on the scene. It was a close call but he did the right thing in calling the Coast Guard who were quick to send out 116 along with Wicklow RNLI. It was fantastic team work by all involved.’
Sunday 13 January 2019
Dun Laoghaire RNLI comes to the aid of a windsurfer at Monkstown, back of West Pier in Dun Laoghaire
Dun Laoghaire RNLI responded to a windsurfer who got into difficulty at Monkstown at the back of the West Pier in Dun Laoghaire.
The volunteer lifeboat crew was requested to launch their inshore lifeboat (ILB) at 2.05pm (Sunday January 13). A windsurfer had got into difficulty at Monkstown and was spotted by passers-by who alerted the Coast Guard.
The weather conditions were fresh with choppy seas.
Once on the scene, the lifeboat crew of three, checked that the windsurfer was safe and uninjured. He was then brought ashore to Monkstown.
Commenting after the call out, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Helm Damien Payne said:
‘The windsurfer did the right thing by staying with his board coupled with the quick action taken by the public to alert the coastguard. It is also essential to always carry a means of communication.’
Saturday 15 December 2018
Dun Laoghaire RNLI to remember those lost through drowning at annual Christmas Eve ceremony
Dun Laoghaire RNLI, in keeping with tradition, will hold their annual ceremony on Christmas Eve to honour the memory of 15 lifeboat volunteers that died on service on this day 123 years ago, as well as all lives lost through drowning around our coasts and on inland waters.
The volunteer crew of the RNLI lifeboat station at Dun Laoghaire hold this annual ceremony as part of a long-standing local tradition to acknowledge the sacrifice of their colleagues in carrying out their duty and remember all who have lost their lives through drowning. Descendants of the 1895 volunteers are especially welcome as are all members of the public.
The ceremony remembers the lives of the 15 volunteer crew that died when their lifeboat capsized in gale force winds while attempting to rescue those on board the SS Palme that had run aground off Blackrock, Co. Dublin on Christmas Eve in 1895.
Both RNLI lifeboats stationed at Dun Laoghaire will launch and will drop wreaths into the sea in view of the public gathered for the short ceremony at the end of the East Pier. A joint Guard of Honour will be provided by the Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard Unit and Civil Defence.
The short ceremony will take place at midday on Christmas Eve at the lighthouse end of Dun Laoghaire's popular East Pier. It will include music, a piped lament, an ecumenical blessing, and a reading of a newspaper account of the 1895 tragedy published at the time which recounts the tragedy.
All are welcome to attend.
Sunday 18 November 2018
Dun Laoghaire RNLI assists swimmer near forty foot at Sandycove
Dun Laoghaire RNLI responded to a lone swimmer who got into difficulty near the 40 foot at Sandycove, Co. Dublin. The volunteer lifeboat crew was requested to launch their Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) at 11.10am, Sunday November 18, following a report from the Irish Coast Guard. The weather conditions were moderate with south easterly winds. However, there was a heavy swell in the area.
Within minutes of the launch, the lifeboat crew of three onboard had identified the location of the swimmer with the assistance of the public onshore.
The casualty was quickly recovered from the water and by 11.28am was safely ashore where he was assessed by lifeboat crew members, trained in casualty care.
The Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) was requested a second time, immediately after this first incident upon another possible sighting of a swimmer in difficulty. Following a full search of the area, the lifeboat was stood down satisfied there were no additional swimmers in danger.
Commenting after the call out, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Helmsman, Damien Payne highlighted the importance of knowing what to do if you find yourself in difficulty in the water.
‘When we arrived at the scene, it was clear that the swimmer had taken the right action, he did not panic. The quick response time of our crew was crucial combined with the assistance of the public who called this incident into the Coastguard. This ensured a successful rescue could take place.’
Thursday 06 September 2018
Dun Laoghaire RNLI assists power boat with 3 onboard off Killiney
Dun Laoghaire RNLI responded to a 8 metre power boat with three people onboard on Tuesday evening (04 September) shortly before 8pm, when their vessel broke down in Killiney Bay.
The volunteer lifeboat crew was requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat (ALB) at 7.50pm following a report from the Irish Coast Guard.
The weather conditions were fair with a northern breeze. Visibility was also good.
The all-weather lifeboat located and successfully towed the vessel back towards Dun Laoghaire Marina. All three onboard were uninjured.
Commenting after the call out, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Coxswain, Mark McGibney said:
‘The evenings are starting to get shorter, so it is vital to have a means of calling for help in case you do end up in trouble.’
Monday 06 August 2018
Dun Laoghaire RNLI assists small power boat with six people onboard off Dalkey
Dun Laoghaire RNLI responded to a small power boat with six people onboard yesterday evening at 10.49pm (Sunday 05 August) when their vessel got caught up on a fishing pot marker just off Dalkey.
The volunteer lifeboat crew was requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat (ALB) at 10.49pm following a report from the Irish Coast Guard.
The weather conditions were fair with a slight breeze. Visibility was also good.
The vessel had become entangled on a pot marker.
Two of the volunteer crew members used the XP-class lifeboat to free the vessel. The all-weather lifeboat successfully towed the vessel away from the rocks and escorted it back towards Dun Laoghaire Harbour.
Commenting after the call out, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Second Coxswain, Eamon O’Leary said:
It was dark during the callout and in these situations it is so important to raise the alarm as soon as possible and to ensure that everyone onboard is wearing a lifejacket.
Saturday 28 July 2018
Dun Laoghaire RNLI comes to the aid of a 47ft yacht with 3 people onboard east of Dun Laoghaire.
Dun Laoghaire RNLI responded to a 47ft yacht with three people onboard this morning at 8.50am (Saturday 28 July) when their sail got caught around the rudder, 5 miles east of Dun Laoghaire.
The volunteer lifeboat crew was requested to launch their all-weather (ALB) at 8.50am following a report from the Irish Coast Guard. (Saturday, July 28). The weather conditions were not good. There was a full gale moderate to rough.
The lifeboat crew of six arrived on the scene just as the crew onboard the yacht managed to free the disentangled sail from the rudder. All three were uninjured.
Commenting after the call out, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Deputy Coxwain David Branigan said:
‘The crew onboard the sail yacht took the correct decision in calling for assistance. The weather conditions were not good at all. A full gale was in progress, so it’s extremely important to carry a means of calling for help in case you do end up in trouble.’
Friday 13 July 2018
Dun Laoghaire RNLI assists one man onboard a stranded 26ft motor yacht off Greystones
Dun Laoghaire RNLI responded to a 26ft motor yacht with one man onboard (Friday 08 July) when his vessel became stranded just a half mile off Greystones.
The volunteer lifeboat crew was requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat at 1.13pm following a report from the Irish Coast Guard. The weather conditions were light, north easterly winds with good visibility.
The lifeboat crew of seven successfully towed the motor yacht and the skipper back safely to Greystones Harbour.
Commenting after the call out, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Cox Mark McGibney said:
‘The lifeboat found the causality with ease by using its VHS radio direction finder and radar, which allowed the lifeboat to go to the casualty’s exact location. This illustrates how essential it is to always carry a means of communication.’
Monday 09 July 2018
Dun Laoghaire RNLI comes to the aid of two people onboard a stranded 31ft yacht off Bray Head.
Dun Laoghaire RNLI responded to a 31ft yacht with two people onboard yesterday afternoon (Sunday 08 July) when their vessel became stranded
just off Bray Head.
The volunteer lifeboat crew was requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat at 2.18pm following a report from the Irish Coast Guard.
The weather conditions were near perfect with flat calm seas.
Once on scene the lifeboat crew of six, checked that the two people onboard were safe and well before successfully towing the yacht back to Greystones Harbour.
The all-weather lifeboat on returning to Dun Laoghaire Harbour stopped to assist a small yacht with two onboard. Their vessel had become entangled on a pot marker.
The volunteer crew members were able to free the boat.
Commenting after the call out, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Cox Mark McGibney said:
‘In this incident, the skipper of the 31ft yacht had no choice but to call for assistance, which was the correct thing to do. Both onboard had lifejackets.’’
Wednesday 05 July 2018
Dun Laoghaire RNLI assist person on a broken-down jet ski in Scotsman’s Bay.
Dun Laoghaire RNLI responded to a jet skier yesterday (Tuesday July 04) when his engine failed in Scotsman’s Bay.
The volunteer lifeboat crew were requested to launch their In-shore lifeboat at 7.00pm following a request from the Irish Coast Guard.
The weather conditions were fine, a lovely evening with light easterly breeze.
A member of the public alerted the Coast Guard. The lifeboat crew of three successfully towed the jet skier safely back to Dun Laoghaire Harbour.
Commenting after the call out, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Helm Alan Keville said:
‘It was great to see the jet skier was wearing a lifejacket but he had no means of alerting the Coast Guard himself. It is essential to always carry a means of communication.’
03 July 2018
Event: Dun Laoghaire RNLI Open Day
Venue: Dun Laoghaire RNLI lifeboat station
Time/Date: 11.30am - 3.30pm, Sunday 15 July
Dun Laoghaire RNLI welcome visitors to station’s annual open day
Dun Laoghaire RNLI volunteers will welcome locals and visitors alike to the station on Sunday 15 July, for the annual open day.
Members of the public will get an opportunity to see some of our fantastic volunteer crew members up close & personal, possibly wearing our iconic yellow wellies!
Starting at 12pm, the main lifeboat station beside the Carlisle Pier will be open for tours of 'Anna Livia' the All-Weather lifeboat.
At the East Pier, the Inshore lifeboat ‘Realt Na Mara’ will be on display at the old boathouse beside Rogan’s Slipway and visitors will see this small but highly flexible rescue craft.
The RNLI lifeboat station Open Day is a family-oriented event suitable for most age-groups and souvenirs in support of the charitable work of the RNLI will be on sale in the station shop throughout the afternoon.
Special guests will be visiting the RNLI station during the afternoon, The Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard & The Dalkey Ukulele Klub.
Stephen Wynne, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘If the weather stays as good as it has been, we will be expecting a good turnout, so it will be all hands-on deck!’
Sunday 01 July 2018
Dun Laoghaire RNLI rescues a 32ft yacht with 1 skipper onboard
Dun Laoghaire RNLI responded to a yacht with 1 man onboard yesterday afternoon (Saturday June 30) when the skipper’s engine failed just outside Bray Head.
The volunteer lifeboat crew were in action again when requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat at 4.24pm following a report from the Irish Coast Guard.
As the country is experiencing a heatwave, weather conditions were near perfect with clear blue skies and good visibility.
The yacht was on passage from Arklow when engine trouble flared just outside Bray Head.
The lifeboat crew successfully towed the yacht and skipper, who was uninjured, safely back to Dun Laoghaire Harbour.
Commenting after the call out, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Coxswain Kieran O'Connell said:
‘The skipper of the vessel indeed made a good decision in calling for assistance. He was also wearing a lifejacket, which I’m always glad to see. I can’t stress enough how important it is to wear one.’’
Credit to Gary Hayes for the photo
Friday 29 June 2018
Dun Laoghaire RNLI rescues a 16ft speed boat with 3 people onboard
Dun Laoghaire RNLI responded to a speedboat with 3 people onboard late yesterday evening (Thursday June 28) when their boat became stranded in Killiney Bay.
The volunteer lifeboat crew was requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat at 10.55pm following a report from the Irish Coast Guard. The weather conditions were idyllic, clear skies and good visibility.
The lifeboat crew successfully towed the speedboat and the three uninjured party safely back to Dun Laoghaire Harbour.
Commenting after the call out, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Coxswain Mark McGibney said:
‘The good weather has seen a surge in the volume of people taking to the water which is great to see but always be diligent and respect the water.’
Wednesday 27 June
Dun Laoghaire RNLI comes to the aid of two people onboard a stranded 28ft sailing boat
Dun Laoghaire RNLI responded to a 28ft yacht with two people onboard yesterday evening when their vessel became stranded 200m outside Greystones Marina.
The volunteer lifeboat crew was requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat at 11.23pm following a report from the Irish Coast Guard.
The weather conditions at the time were near perfect with a full moon, clear skies and good visibility.
Once on scene the lifeboat crew of six, checked that the two onboard were safe and well before successfully towing the yacht back to Greystones Harbour.
Dun Laoghaire RNLI Helm Mark McGibney said after the call out: ‘On this occasion, the skipper of the vessel did the right thing by anchoring his vessel and calling for assistance. Both parties were wearing lifejackets and they had a VHS radio. All of these things made for a successful rescue.
‘During this heatwave we are experiencing, we would remind everyone to enjoy the good weather but to always remember to respect the water. Check tide times before you go and if planning to go into the water, swim at a lifeguarded beach, between the red and yellow flags.
‘If you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help and if you see someone else in trouble call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.ie News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.ie/press
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations with 46 in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of Coast Guard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,200 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.
A charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SCO37736). Charity number 20003326 in the Republic of Ireland.