#Coastguard - The Irish Coast Guard received a call from a member of the public yesterday evening (Sunday 5 November) who advised that two stand-up paddle boarders appeared to be in difficultly at the North Bull Wall near Dublin Port.
Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard’s team was on patrol off Sandymount at the time and were tasked to investigate, first making contact with the concerned caller.
Due to fading daylight, it was difficult to assess the SUPs’ situation and the coastguard crew had to relocate to a better position.
Assistance was also requested by incoming ferries to investigate on their passage into Dublin Port if the SUPs were indeed in difficultly.
It was quickly determined that the SUPs were riding the wake from the ferries, and eventually returned to shore once the ferries had passed.
The paddlers were part of a group that travels out daily to meet the ferries, taking off from the north side of the North Wall and staying outside of the shipping channel. All have undergone safety training and have been an asset to emergency responders at times, said Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard.
However, to some out walking in the evening, they might appear to be making no progress and this may prompt concern.
“Thankfully a safe ending to a cold evening,” said the coastguard unit.