Skerries RNLI was tasked by Dublin Coast Guard shortly before 7pm on Tuesday evening (20 August) following a report that two kayakers were unable to make it back to the beach in Balbriggan and were being blown out to sea.
The volunteers in Skerries RNLI launched the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Louis Simson and proceeded directly toward the last known location off Balbriggan beach.
As they were arriving on scene, the crew received an update that one kayak had made it ashore and the other, with one woman on board, had drifted close to a razor fishing boat who were attempting to provide assistance.
The lifeboat crew had a visual on the razor fishing boat and proceeded directly towards it. Two of the crew were placed aboard the vessel to aid in efforts to bring the woman aboard. However, the shape of the vessel made it very difficult to bring the casualty on to the fishing boat, and as they were attempting to lift her from the water, her lifejacket slipped off over her head.
With the woman now in the water with no lifejacket and visibly exhausted, one of the volunteer crew entered the water to help keep her afloat. They then swam the casualty clear of the razor boat to prevent the swell from washing her against the hull as the lifeboat was manoeuvred into position to recover them directly from the water.
Once aboard the lifeboat, the casualty was assessed and was determined to be alert but showing symptoms of hypothermia. As a precaution, an ambulance was requested to attend the lifeboat station.
The lifeboat returned to Skerries with the casualty on board, she was brought into the station where she was further assessed by a volunteer shore crew who happens to be a GP, before being handed into the care of the National Ambulance Service who arrived shortly after.
Skerries Coast Guard unit were also on scene at Balbriggan beach before attending the lifeboat station to offer any assistance required.
Conditions at the time had a Force 5–6 south-westerly wind with a moderate to rough sea and good visibility.
Speaking after the call-out, volunteer lifeboat press officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said: “This was a great outcome from a rapidly escalating situation. Our crew responded very quickly and it was a brilliant team effort from all the rescue services, with volunteers and professionals working seamlessly together.
“We’d also like to say thank you and well done to the skipper and crew of the razor boat who did everything they could to assist the woman until the lifeboat arrived.”
