Skerries RNLI tow motorboat with two on board to safety

The volunteers in Skerries launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat “Louis Simson” within minutes of the pagers sounding. The lifeboat was navigated around the headland at red island and proceeded directly to Rockabill.

The casualty vessel, with two men on board was quickly located nearby. After assessing the situation and confirming that the boat had fouled it’s propeller and was unable to clear it, the Helm of the lifeboat decided that the safest course of action was to tow the boat, with the men on board, to the nearest suitable berth at Skerries harbour.

An astern tow was established, and the boat was towed towards Skerries. Shortly after passing the port marker off Skerries, known locally as “The Perch”, the tow was changed to an alongside tow to enable the lifeboat to manoeuvre the casualty vessel alongside the pier.

With the vessel safely in the harbour, the lifeboat was recovered back to the boathouse where it was washed down, refuelled and made ready for the next service.

Conditions at the time were force one to two south easterly wind with calm seas and excellent visibility.

Speaking about the call out, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said: ‘It’s been a busy start to the year, with our volunteers responding to their pagers a number of times in the last couple of weeks alone. But they remain ready to help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This call out shows that no matter how well prepared you are, things can and do go wrong at sea.’

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 Media Officer on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Ireland Media Manager on 087 1254 124 or [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.