Skerries RNLI assist two men after fishing boat runs aground

Skerries RNLI were tasked in the early hours of this morning by Dublin Coast Guard after they received a call informing them that a razor clam fishing boat had run aground on rocks in Skerries.

Shortly after 3am the pagers sounded for the volunteer crew in Skerries.

The Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat “Louis Simson” was launched, and with the casualty vessel visible from the boathouse, they were on scene almost immediately.

The lifeboat was carefully manoeuvred alongside the vessel to check on the condition of its crew.

There were two men on board, and they were not injured in any way.

The lifeboat crew carried out a quick inspection of the outside of the vessels’ hull and there did not appear to be any significant damage.

Skerries RNLI Inspecting the vessels hull

The two men wished to stay on board the vessel and wait for the incoming tide to lift it clear of the rocks.

With the potential for any unseen damage to result in another call out, the decision was taken for the lifeboat to return to the vessel and stand by when it began to float.

Shortly after 6am, the lifeboat attached a line to the grounded boat and as it began to float, they towed it clear of the rocks.

Once in open water the tow was released, and the boat made its own way to the safety of Skerries harbour, escorted by the lifeboat.

Conditions at the time were calm with force zero to one Northerly wind with restricted visibility due to the darkness.

Speaking about the call out, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said: ‘It was an early start for our volunteers this morning, and it’s been a very busy week, but we are ready to go 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you see someone in difficulty on or near the water, dial 999 and ask for the Coast Guard’