Dun Laoghaire Harbour RNLI has responded to two back-to-back call outs today (Friday 12 May) to first rescue a dog trapped on rocks and then to go to the aid of five anglers after their 6m boat encountered engine difficulties.
Lifeboat crew members Nathan Burke, Andrew Sykes and Ronan Adams were on a training exercise on the station’s D class lifeboat, ahead of their upcoming helms assessments, when at 11.30 am they were diverted at the request of the Irish Coast Guard following a report that a dog was in need of assistance at the back of the west pier.
Weather conditions at the time were good, with a moderate Force 2 breeze, good visibility, and a slight sea state.
The dog was out on a walk with its owner when they got separated and the dog fell from the pier onto the rocks below, which were inaccessible from the shore. The lifeboat crew immediately went to the scene where they observed the Springer Spaniel in a difficult location where the lifeboat had to manoeuvre in amid a challenging swell. Crew member Andrew Sykes then emerged from the lifeboat to rescue the dog who was shaken but uninjured. The dog was subsequently reunited with its owner.
Then this afternoon at 1.23 pm, Dun Laoghaire RNLI was requested again, this time by the Irish Coast Guard to launch the station’s all-weather lifeboat to go to the aid of five anglers after their 6m boat experience engine problems.
The lifeboat launched under Coxswain Mark McGibney and with five crew members onboard. The fishermen had been on an angling day trip when the boat got into difficulty south of the Bailey Lighthouse on its return to Dun Laoghaire.
Once on scene, the crew observed that all five onboard were wearing lifejackets and were safe and well. Having assessed the situation, a decision was made to tow the boat back to the nearest safe port at Dun Laoghaire which took 45 minutes.
Speaking following today’s call outs, Jenny Needham, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said: ‘This was a busy morning and early afternoon for our two crews on both the inshore and all-weather lifeboat and they were all delighted to help and bring the anglers and the dog to safety. The dog owner and the fishermen did the right thing in raising the alarm when they experienced difficulty, that is always the right thing to do.
‘We would remind pet owners to keep their dogs on leads near cliff edges. Should a pet get into difficulty and end up in the water, don’t go in after them, move to a place where the dog can get to safely and then call them. If they can’t get out themselves, call for help but don’t attempt a rescue yourself.
‘This weekend is promising good weather with temperatures of between 16-20 degrees and light winds and we expect to see people heading to the coast to enjoy water sports and boating activities.
We would remind everyone that water temperatures are still very cold at this time of year and cold water shock can affect everyone. To avoid this, if you are planning on entering the water, you should do so by acclimatising to the water slowly to get used to the cold.
In good weather, you still need to keep your safety a priority. Seek local knowledge and ensure the location where you are doing your water sports is appropriate and safe.
Should you get into difficulty, or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
