#rescue – The crew of an Olympic 49er skiff dinghy that capsized off Dun Laoghaire in strong winds this morning has been brought to safety by Dun Laoghaire lifeboat.
The two dinghy sailors got into difficulties in strong winds on Dublin Bay.
The pair were training on a 49er skiff dinghy and departed the harbour mid-morning. They had been attempting to return for two hours but repeatedly capsized close to the harbour entrance.
A concerned member of the public walking on the pier had kept the dinghy under observation for about 20 minutes before reporting the situation.
The Irish Coastguard Marine Rescue Co-Ordination Centre (MRCC) Dublin requested that the RNLI Inshore lifeboat (ILB) launch but it was subsequently decided to task the All-Weather lifeboat (ALB) due to the deteriorating conditions and moderate visibility. The South-Easterly wind was gusting in excess of 30 knots.
The lifeboat launched at 12.20 and immediately located the casualty heading for the more sheltered area off Seapoint under reduced sail. The boat was taken in tow to the Coal Harbour slipway. Neither crew-member needed medical attention.