Skerries RNLI responds to kite surfer in distress

SKERRIES RNLI launched last Saturday week (May 24) to reports of a kite surfer in distress near Shenick Island off the South strand.

The volunteer crew launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, Louis Simpson, shortly after 5.30pm.

Dublin Coast Guard requested the lifeboat to launch after a member of the public raised the alarm that a kite surfer was struggling to get back to shore.

The lifeboat launched into a force four north-easterly wind and choppy seas before proceeding directly to Shenick Island to investigate.

Skerries Coast Guard and the Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter R116 were also tasked to the incident.

When they arrived on scene, the lifeboat could see a kite surfer standing in shallow water making their way towards the beach.

Skerries Coast Guard were waiting on shore and were able to confirm that no further assistance was required. The lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.

Conor Walsh helmed the lifeboat with crewmembers Eoin Grimes, Stephen Crowley and Adam Scott also on board.

Speaking after the call out, Gerry Canning, Skerries RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, said: ‘In this particular case, the kite surfer was able to make it ashore safely.

“However, we would still like to remind everyone that if you see someone in difficulty at sea dial 999 and ask for the coast guard.

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