Minister Noel Dempsey TD visited the Drogheda Coast Guard Unit today (Tuesday 21st July 2009) and launched their new 5.8m Humber, Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB).
Speaking at the launch in Drogheda, the Minister said: “Drogheda Coast Guard Unit is one of the busiest Units in the country. Last year alone this Unit responded to 45 incidents and they rescued 15 people. This boat will be a welcome asset for the hard working Unit here in Drogheda as it will dramatically cut response times to incidents at sea. It will also be a much more effective vessel for life jacket patrol along the Boyne River and local coastline. This new vessel will play an important role in helping the Coast Guard here in Drogheda to save more lives at sea each year.”
The Vessel was made to Irish Coast Guard specifications and has two 50hp 4stroke Yamaha outboard engines and trailer. It is fitted with state-of-the art technology including; GPS, VHF, Rader Reflector, Automatic Identification System (AIS), Self-Righting System, Search Lights and all emergency recall and relevant equipment that a Coast Guard Patrol, Search & Rescue Vessel would carry. The vessel can reach a speed of 30knots and has four seats and a large console for the crew. This allows them to work more effectively and safely in harsher environments.
