Late night search as Wicklow RNLI lifeboats launch to reports of missing person
Wicklow RNLI volunteers launched both the all-weather lifeboat and inshore lifeboat last night (01 September) after being paged by the Coast Guard who had received reports of a possible person in the water.
The Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 116 from Dublin, Coast Guard land units and the Gardai were also involved in the search.
The crew pagers sounded at 21:22pm after the Coast Guard received reports of a possible missing person.
The volunteer crew launched the all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O’Shea shortly after under the command of Coxswain Nicky Keogh, while the inshore lifeboat Dennis-Audrey was launched under the command of helm Alan Goucher.
The volunteer crew immediately began their search from the harbour north along the Murrough in calm seas and winds.
With the assistance of all agencies a thorough search of the area was carried out and with nothing further found all units were stood down by the Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre.
The volunteer crew returned to Wicklow harbour and made both boats ready for service.
Speaking after the callout Coxswain Nicky Keogh said ‘A thorough search of the area was undertaken and with nothing found we were stood down. This was a genuine call with good intent. We would advise anyone, if they see or suspect someone in difficulty on the water to please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard’.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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