Three men rescued after vessel runs aground

SKERRIES RNLI rescued three men last Thursday night (April 24) after their 30-foot fishing vessel ran aground on rocks north of Balbriggan harbour in extremely poor visibility.

The volunteer crew launched their inshore lifeboat shortly after 9pm with Rob Morgan as Helm and crewmembers Emma Wilson, Stephen Crowley and Laura Boylan also on board.

Dublin Coast Guard requested the lifeboat to launch after receiving reports that a vessel had struck rocks north of Balbriggan harbour.

The lifeboat proceeded directly to the area indicated by Dublin Coast Guard. Conditions on the night were calm with a force one southerly wind. There was a thick sea fog in the area at the time and visibility was reduced to one to two metres.

The Clogherhead RNLI all-weather lifeboat also launched at 10pm after Skerries RNLI requested their assistance given the possibility that a long and difficult search may have been necessary. The coast guard helicopter R116 and Skerries coast guard ground unit were also tasked.

Gerry Canning, Skerries RNLI volunteer lifeboat press officer, told Northside People:

“Communication with the vessel in distress was established through another fishing vessel. Along with the information relayed from the vessel, the volunteer crew used the radar and direction finder on board their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat to pinpoint the casualties’ location.

“The three men were taken on board the lifeboat where they were assessed and did not require any medical attention.

“Clogherhead RNLI, Skerries Coast Guard and Rescue helicopter R116 were all stood down.

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Mr Canning added:

“Skerries RNLI returned the three men to the lifeboat station where they were reunited with waiting family members.

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Rob Morgan, Skerries RNLI Helm, said visibility was extremely poor on the evening.

“The volunteers’ training really paid off, particularly with the radar and VHF direction finding equipment,

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“Thankfully we found them in time and it was a good result.

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