Howth RNLI and Irish Coast Guard praised following rescues

REFORM Alliance TD for Dublin Bay North, Terence Flanagan, has commended Howth RNLI and the Irish Coast Guard for their dedication to rescuing those in need in two incidents last Monday week (July 14).

“A boat of tourists had to be rescued from the sea off Howth, as did a swimmer who had jumped off cliffs in the area,

? said Deputy Flanagan.

“I commend the Howth RNLI and the Irish Coast Guard for their speedy response to assist those in danger and in need of help.

“Their rapid response ensured that lives were saved and those struggling on the water were returned to safety on dry land.

?

Dublin Bay North TD Sean Kenny (Lab) also congratulated the crews on their successful rescues.

“Yet again, I feel it is very important to pay tribute to the RNLI and other emergency services who do so much work to protect the local community from tragedy,

? said Deputy Kenny.

“They frequently put themselves into harm’s way in order to be able to do this and consider other people before themselves. I believe this level of service and sacrifice is worth highlighting.

“I also want to suggest that people be vigilant and think before they act when they are in or near water, always to use lifejackets if they are in a boat, and to swim only in safe places.”

Howth RNLI rescued the large party of tourists after the passenger boat they were on got into difficulty on the north side of Ireland’s Eye.

The volunteer lifeboat crew was alerted at 3.25pm (on July 14) following a Mayday call that a 30-foot passenger boat with a group of tourists and two crew members on board had ran aground onto rocks and was taking on water.

Weather conditions at the time were described as good with a westerly force two to three wind blowing.

The lifeboat, under coxswain Fred Connolly, and with four crewmembers on board, made its way to the scene a mile and a half away from Howth Harbour.

On arrival at the scene, Howth RNLI observed that another boat had come to the assistance of the casualty vessel and was holding it in position ready for the lifeboat to come alongside. It then emerged that the stricken vessel was not taking on water.

The lifeboat crew proceeded to transfer all of the tourists from the passenger boat safely onto the lifeboat. Once the group was on board, the lifeboat crew with th

e help of the vessel’s crew established a towline and returned the vessel and its occupants safely to Howth Harbour.

Speaking following the call out, Howth RNLI coxswain Fred Connolly said they were pleased to report that all on board the passenger boat that got into difficulty have been returned safe and well to the shore.

“No medical assistance was required,

? said Mr Connolly.