The capsize took place shortly before 11am close to the Baily Lighthouse at Howth Head. Winds in the area at that time were gusting from the south-east and sea conditions were difficult when the 4-metre boat capsized.
The Irish Coast Guard service launched their rescue helicopter from Dublin Airport that arrived at the scene at 11.20 and winched both casualties from the water. The RNLI Dun Laoghaire lifeboat arrived shortly afterwards and towed the capsized RIB (rigid inflatable boat) to Dun Laoghaire.
"Carrying a marine VHF radio enabled the crew of this boat to make direct contact with the coastguard by issuing a Mayday distress call," commented Stephen Wynne, Lifeboat Operations Manager with the RNLI at Dun Laoghaire. "Had they relied on a mobile phone, they might not have had coverage with the steep cliffs at Howth or the phone could have been wet and useless – it was a lucky escape."