Sunny spell saw Coast Guard record busiest weekend in 22 years
Over the course of Saturday and Sunday — the busiest since 1991 — 21 incidents were co-ordinated by the Dublin Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC), 18 incidents by Valentia MRCC and 14 by Malin MRCC. These call-outs ranged from missing persons, swimmers in difficulty, vessels broken down, missing children, jetskis and speedboats operating in a hazardous way and urgent medical evacuations.
The Coast Guard helicopters alone were tasked 18 times over the weekend.
The latest figures coincide with the service’s “Stay safe on the water” campaign, which was broadcast on TV last night, and is aimed at families, leisure users and the fishing industry.
Manager of the Irish Coast Guard Declan Geogheghan said that while warm weather draws thousands of people to the coastlines and beaches, people have to be mindful of their safety. “We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors this summer but remember to heed our advice to ensure that you and your family and friends stay safe.”
He issued an appeal that “under no circumstances should anyone ever engage in water activities under the influence of alcohol”.
Mr Geogheghan also extended his sympathies to the two families devastated by the loss of their loved ones in drowning incidents over the weekend.
Meanwhile, the latest additions to the Irish Coast Guard’s (IrCG) Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter fleet have arrived in Ireland. Two Sikorsky S-92’s, previously flown by the UK Coast Guard, arrived in Shannon from Enniskillen on Tuesday night.
CHC Ireland operates SAR services under contract to the Department of Transport and Irish Coast Guard from bases at Dublin, Waterford, Sligo and Shannon which became the country’s first SAR base in 1991.
It is expected that the SAR fleet will respond to 8,000 calls over the next decade.
* For specific advice and information on any water and coastal activity, people can visit www.safetyonthewater.ie.
