Skerries RNLI respond to report of kitesurfer in difficulty
Skerries RNLI were tasked yesterday (Saturday 30 December) morning following a 999 call to Dublin Coast Guard reporting that a kitesurfer was in difficulty off Portrane beach.
The Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat “Louis Simson” was launched by the volunteers in Skerries shortly after 11.30am. The lifeboat rounded the headland of Red Island and the crew entered a course to steer for Portrane in their on board navigation system.
There was a westerly wind, force three to four, blowing at the time with a slight sea swell and good visibility.
As the lifeboat arrived on scene, they were provided with up-to-date information which was being relayed from a member of the Coast Guard on shore, and were guided to the kitesurfers location. Following a conversation with the kitesurfer, it was quickly determined that he was not in need of any assistance. He did however accept the offer of a lift closer to the shore to allay any fears of those that had raised the alarm.
The lifeboat assisted the man on board and dropped him close to the shore, before returning to Skerries to recover the boat and make it ready for the next service.
Speaking about the call out, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said: ‘The gentleman was actually very well equipped and within his comfort zone. However, he was using a wing foil and it’s easy to see how it was mistaken for a kite in the water. A false alarm with good intent is still a good outcome and our volunteers were glad to discover the man was not in any distress. We will always encourage you to dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard if you think you see someone in trouble on the water.’
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Gerry Canning, Skerries RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 087 988 4965 or email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Ireland Communications Manager on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Ireland Communications Lead on 087 1254 124 or [email protected]
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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard 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 142,700 lives.
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