A new Swiss-designed marine safety device aimed at improving search and rescue visibility at sea has launched in Ireland at Dún Laoghaire Harbour.
AirMarker, an aerial distress marker that deploys a bright orange helium balloon above the waterline, made its Irish debut at the inauguration of the Spirit of Shackleton — the Atlantic Shackleton Global Foundation’s 70-foot expedition yacht.
The former Clipper Race yacht was officially launched at Dún Laoghaire Plaza on Friday evening (May 15th) by President of Ireland Catherine Connolly.
The Spirit of Shackleton will operate as a floating classroom and expedition vessel focused on ocean science, youth leadership and exploration. Promotoers say the project continues the legacy of Irish Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.
AirMarker forms part of the yacht’s onboard safety equipment.
The compact rescue device is designed to provide a highly visible distress signal without pyrotechnics, batteries or satellite connectivity. Once activated, it releases a bright orange balloon on a technical line extending up to five metres above sea level.
An integrated LED light flashes automatically and remains visible for up to 72 hours.
The system was developed by Swiss rescue specialist Rico Dürst, a former search-and-rescue helicopter crewman who identified elevated visual markers as one of the most effective methods of locating casualties from the air.
AirMarker is already used by Alpine rescue teams, offshore sailors and outdoor professionals across Europe.
The product is now available in Ireland through Dún Laoghaire chandlery Viking Marine.
“Safety at sea is top of every skipper’s mind. AirMarker reduces your reliance on flares and can be seen for up to three days,” said Ian O’Meara of Viking Marine.
The launch also highlighted the partnership between AirMarker and the Spirit of Shackleton project, led by Galway adventurer and entrepreneur Enda O’Coineen.
Foundation patrons include Prince Albert II of Monaco, Alexandra Shackleton and Explorer’s Club president Richard Garriott.
Dublin Bay J109 sailor Stephen Breen, advisory board member of AirMarker, said the system was designed to improve visibility in emergency situations at sea.
“AirMarker is a simple, reliable search and rescue aid that increases your chances of being found at sea,” he said.
Bobby Beggs, skipper of the Spirit of Shackleton, said the device could prove particularly valuable during man overboard incidents.
The device will be part of the yacht's equipment in next month's Round Ireland Race from Wicklow.
“In a man overboard situation, seconds matter. AirMarker means I can locate a crew member in the water immediately — that orange balloon is unmissable,” he said.
“Whether we are operating in Irish or Antarctic waters, where conditions can change in an instant and visibility can close down fast, knowing I can see my crew and they can see the ship gives me a level of confidence no flare can match.”
AirMarker is now stocked at Viking Marine in Dún Laoghaire.
