#RNLI - Skerries RNLI joined Clogherhead RNLI and Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 in a search off Gormanston on Tuesday night (10 September) after reported sightings of distress flares in the area.
The volunteer crew launched their newly dedicated inshore lifeboat Louis Simson shortly after 8.30pm with Conor Walsh as helm and crew members Peter Kennedy, Stephen Crowley and Laura Boylan also on board.
Dublin Coast Guard requested the lifeboat to launch after receiving a number of reports of distress flares in the vicinity of the Gormanston area. Clogherhead RNLI and Rescue 116 were also tasked, with the former being assigned the role of on-scene coordinator for the search. Conditions on the night were calm with a force 1 to 2 North by North West wind.
Working together, the two lifeboats and the helicopter conducted an extensive search of the area. Just after 9.30pm, Dublin Coast Guard declared that they were satisfied the area had been searched thoroughly ,and with nothing found all units were stood down to return to base.
Speaking after the call-out, Skerries helm Walsh said: "Working together with Clogherhead lifeboat and the coastguard helicopter we were able to cover a large search area quickly.
"Distress flares are an important piece of safety equipment and are a very effective way of calling for help. Thankfully on this occasion no lives were in danger."
This is the second time in less than a month that Skerries RNLI responded to reports of distress flares, after launching to similar reports of flares north of Balbriggan on 14 August.