The Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI would like to remind boat users of the importance of carrying out safety checks on boats before going on the water. This follows a call yesterday where the RNLI in Howth recovered a boat for the fourth time this summer. The Irish Coast Guard unit from Howth also attended, after taking details the skipper was talked through the essential safety checks.
 
These include:

Life Jackets for all personnel on board.
Boat Engine serviced regularly.
Way of getting help – VHF Radio & Flares & Mobile phone in water proof housing.
Suitable Clothing and supplies including water for the trip.
Killcords – you stop the engine stops.
Training – know what you’re doing.
 
More advice is available on www.safetyonthewater.ie. Link to Powerboating section is http://goo.gl/imHfGd

Incident 56/14

Yesterday (Saturday) as the unit's boat was launching they were alerted to an unturned dingy off Howth. As the team were proceeding they were informed of a second incident involving a sailor with an injury requiring assistance on board a yacht.

They passed the upturned dingy who had a rescue boat with them and the crew didn't require further assistance.

The team reached the yacht and two of the Coast Guard crew including an EMT were placed aboard and they stabilised the casualty. A male had broken his arm and was in need of medical assistance. The crew assisted with getting the yacht to shore where they were met with a DFB ambulance who transported the male to hospital.

Incident 55/14

Last night (Sunday) at 8pm the team were tasked to assist an incoming Coast Guard Helicopter, landing at Beaumont Hospital. As team members were preparing the landing site they were stood down and the helicopter landed at Dublin Airport.

Incident 54/14

Howth Coast Guard was tasked today at 10.30 at the request of Gardai to search an area at Red Rock Sutton for a person that has been missing for 9 days. The search was completed by 1345 with nothing to report. The unit was stood down by MRCC.

Incident 53/14

While on exercise today Howth Coast Guard boat was tasked at 16.55 to the mouth of Malahide estuary where a vessel was reported to be needing assistance. A passing boat had reported to Dublin Coast Guard MRCC that a vessel appeared to be grounded in rough seas and the people on board were waving to attract attention. Skerries RNLI lifeboat was also tasked to the area to assist. The Howth CG boat was quickly on scene and established that the vessel had run out of fuel, had anchored but was nearly grounded. Everybody on board was wearing a lifejacket and no medical attention was required. Howth CG boat set up a tow with the assistance of Skerries ILB and brought them into the safety of Malahide marina. Howth and Skerries were stood down at 18.30.

Incident 52/14