Howth Coast Guard boat ‘Grainne‘ was out this morning training with Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter ‘Sierra Alpha Romeo’. We started first with a wet winch. Barbara, one of Grainne’s crew was put into the water and the helicopter approached in, hovered and the winch man recovered her. She was dunked in again by the heli and then much to her delight was recovered again this time into the helicopter for a short spin.

Next we deployed our sea anchor and the winch man dropped down alone into ‘Grainne’. A high line was then deployed and Barbara was lowered into the boat. The winch man then hooked up and was lifted out.

The weather on scene was ideal for the helicopter as the wind was strong which allowed it to hover on reduced power. The sea conditions for the boat were good as we were working in a SW wind in the shelter of Howth sound.

Posted by Area Officer on Thursday, December 7th, 2006 at 9:49 am.