Skerries RNLI were called shortly before 6pm on Friday evening (26 June), following a 999 call from a member of the public reporting that there were people in difficulty in the water off the South Strand.
The Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Louis Simson was launched with extra care taken due to high number of people making the most of the hot weather on the beach and slipway near the station.
Lifeboat volunteers soon spotted an inflatable dinghy a good distance out to sea with one woman on board, waving for help. As they drew closer, they realised that there was a second woman in the water, holding on to the dinghy.
The crew helped the two women into the lifeboat and proceeded to protect them from the elements as they made their way back to the boathouse.
As one of the women had been in the water, an ambulance was requested as a precaution and was waiting at the station when the boat returned. Following a period of observation, both women were deemed well enough to leave the station and return home.
Skerries Coast Guard unit and the Dublin-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 were also tasked. Skerries Coast Guard assisted from the shoreline, confirming that all casualties were accounted for and Rescue 116 arrived as the lifeboat was returning to station. Following confirmation that the casualties were safe, the helicopter was stood down and returned to base.
Conditions at the time had Force 2–3 north-easterly winds with good visibility and a slightly choppy sea.
Speaking about the call-outs, volunteer lifeboat press officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said: “Inflatables like this dinghy really aren’t suitable for use on the open water, we would advise people to leave them at home.
“Thankfully a member of the public saw the situation unfolding and quickly raised the alarm by dialling 999 and asking for the coastguard.”
