Latest news with #IrishCoastGuard
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Irish Coast Guard's rescue helicopter row is a ‘volcano about to erupt', says NY hotelier John Fitzpatrick
A group that includes New York-based Irish hotelier John Fitzpatrick has called on the Transport Minister to re-open the tender for the Irish Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter service.
Sunday World
5 days ago
- Climate
- Sunday World
Water safety warning for Bank Holiday weekend following ‘alarming' rise in number of drownings
'In May 2025, the number of drownings has doubled compared to the same period in 2024, bringing tragic loss to families across the country' A water safety warning has been issued ahead of the June Bank Holiday weekend following an 'alarming' rise in the number of drownings so far this year. With a ten per cent increase in drownings so far this year, compared to the same period last year, the Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are urging the public to take extra precautions. Although the weather forecast is for heavy showers, low temperatures and strong breezes this weekend, more people are expected to visit beaches, lakes, and rivers. Stock image News in 90 Seconds - May 29th The RNLI said now is the time to prioritise safety by checking the weather and tides before heading out. 'And if walking the shoreline, be vigilant for incoming tides that can cause strandings,' the advice reads. 'Be aware of rip currents - strong currents can pull even the most experienced swimmers out to sea and swim with others. 'Also, let someone ashore know of your plans and return time." Recent drowning tragedies include those of Matt Sibanda (18) who will be laid to rest following his funeral mass this Saturday. Matt was one of two teenagers who died when they got into difficulty while swimming off Buncrana on May 10 last. His friend, Emmanuel Familola (16) was laid to rest on May 17. Kevin Whitney, Head of Operations Section at the Irish Coast Guard highlighted the alarming rise in drownings this year. 'In May 2025, the number of drownings has doubled compared to the same period in 2024, bringing tragic loss to families across the country,' he said. 'As the June bank holiday typically marks the start of summer celebrations for many, we are urging everyone to be mindful of the dangers, plan ahead, and follow the appropriate safety guidelines for your activity.' Further water safety advice is available by visiting
Irish Post
5 days ago
- General
- Irish Post
Crew rescued by coast guard helicopter after fishing boat sinks in Irish waters
THE crew of a fishing boat which sunk off the coast of Co. Louth have been rescued. Two people were manning the vessel, which sunk off the coast of Drogheda in the early hours of this morning (May 29). Two crew members were rescued by the Irish Coast Guard helicopter They were both successfully located and rescued by the Dublin-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter R116. 'The Coast Guard Marine Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Dublin was alerted shortly before midnight following the detection of an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) transmission,' a Department of Transport spokesperson confirmed. 'MRCC Dublin immediately tasked the R116 helicopter, Drogheda Coast Guard Unit, and Clogherhead RNLI to the area,' they added. The Coast Guard helicopter happened to be conducting overnight training at the time of the incident and therefore 'arrived quickly on the scene' the spokesperson added.. 'The helicopter used its night vision infra-red system, night vision goggles and other search tools to locate and recover the two casualties from the water,' they explained. 'The activation of the vessel's EPIRB and the use of NVIS technology were key aspects of this successful rescue.' Both crew members were wearing life jackets when rescued and were 'immediately transferred to the care of the HSE'.
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Rescue of two off Louth coast by coastguard helicopter
A two-person crew of a fishing vessel were successfully located and rescued by the Dublin-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter R116 early this morning, Thursday, May, 29.
Irish Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- General
- Irish Daily Mirror
Two fishermen rescued by helicopter after boat sinks off Irish coast
Two crew members of a fishing vessel that sank off the coast of Louth were rescued by the Irish Coast Guard after an overnight search. Dedicated rescue crew attached to the Dublin- based Irish Coast Guard helicopter R116 sprang into action to assist after the vessel sank off Drogheda, in Louth. The Coast Guard Marine Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Dublin was alerted shortly before midnight following the detection of an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) transmission. MRCC Dublin immediately tasked the R116 helicopter, Drogheda Coast Guard Unit, and Clogherhead RNLI to the area. The Coast Guard helicopter was conducting overnight training at the time it was tasked and arrived quickly on the scene. The helicopter used its Night Vision Infra-Red System, night vision goggles and other search tools to locate and recover the two casualties from the water. The casualties, who had been wearing life jackets, were immediately transferred to the care of the HSE. The activation of the vessel's EPIRB and the use of NVIS technology were key aspects of this successful rescue. A spokesperson for the Irish Coast Guard wrote: 'The two-person crew of a fishing vessel were successfully located and rescued by the Dublin- based Irish Coast Guard helicopter R116 early this morning (29 May) following the sinking of their fishing vessel off Drogheda, Co Louth.'
