Howth RNLI crews involved in multi-agency response to two cliff rescues

Irish Daily Mirror

20-06-2025

Howth RNLI sprang into action on Thursday to assist in two separate cliff rescues on one of the hottest
The volunteer crew of Howth RNLI launched their inshore lifeboat yesterday afternoon (19 June) just before 4:30pm, to reports of three children cut off by the tide near Lion's Head – a popular swimming spot on the south side of the Howth peninsula, close to the Bailey Lighthouse.
Sea conditions were moderate, with a fresh south-easterly wind. The lifeboat launched with three crew on board and made way to the scene. The Howth Coast Guard Unit and Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 116, were also tasked.
The lifeboat arrived at the scene around 10 minutes later where the Howth Coast Guard cliff team had located two teenagers stranded on the cliff. Rescue 116 also arrived to provide assistance. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Dublin, who were coordinating the rescue requested the lifeboat to remain on standby while efforts were made to recover one of the injured teenagers.
While on scene, the lifeboat was diverted by MRCC Dublin to a second emergency nearby: a teenager had fallen from cliffs at White Water Brook, a remote beach below cliffs on the eastern side of the peninsula.
The lifeboat crew arrived within five minutes and were directed by beachgoers to the casualty, who had fallen approximately six metres onto rocks at the water's edge. He had sustained multiple lacerations and suspected fractures. A second teenager had swum to assist him and was holding him steady on a rock when help arrived.
The helm of the ILB manoeuvred the lifeboat as close to the location and possible and two lifeboat crew members were put ashore. The crew made their way across rocks to assess the injured teen. A member of the Howth Coast Guard team also climbed down to the scene. The Howth All-Weather lifeboat was launched to provide further assistance.
Due to the swiftly rising tide, it was agreed that the casualty needed immediate evacuation by helicopter. Rescue 116 deployed its winchman, who assessed the teen's injuries, and coordinated with RNLI and Coast Guard crews to secure him in a rescue harness. The helicopter then repositioned over the scene and winched the casualty and winchman to safety.
The second teenager, showing signs of hypothermia, was assisted across the rocks and brought aboard the inshore lifeboat. He was then transferred to the all-weather lifeboat and taken back to Howth Lifeboat Station, where he was handed into the care of an ambulance crew and transported to hospital.
Both lifeboats were stood down, refuelled, and made ready for service once again.
Speaking after the callout, Killian O'Reilly, Helm of the inshore lifeboat, said: 'This was a challenging afternoon with two serious incidents in quick succession, both in difficult, rocky locations.
"On a sunny summer's day, it's easy to underestimate the risks around the coastline – but the sea and cliffs can be unforgiving. The teamwork shown between the RNLI, Coast Guard units, and Rescue 116 was exceptional and ensured the best possible outcome in tough circumstances.
"During this spell of hot weather, we are urging everyone to be aware of the dangers and to know what to do should you find yourself in difficulty in the water.
"Air temperatures may feel warm, but water temperatures are cold enough year-round to trigger cold-water shock. If you get into difficulty, remember Float to Live: tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat. Once you've regained control of your breathing, you can call for help of swim to safety.
"If you or someone else gets into difficulty near the coast, don't hesitate – call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'