Busy 24 Hours for Drogheda Coast Guard with Two Separate Callouts
- Pat Nolan
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Saturday 9 May 2026
It has been a busy 24 hours for Drogheda Coast Guard, with volunteers responding to two separate incidents in the Drogheda area involving concerns for people near the River Boyne.
The first callout occurred shortly after 11:17pm on Thursday night when Drogheda Coast Guard pagers were activated by the Marine Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) following a request from An Garda Síochána. Reports indicated that a male had last been seen in the water near the north bank in the vicinity of the Bridge of Peace, close to Drogheda Garda Station.
In response, the unit immediately launched its D-Class rescue boat while a land search team was dispatched to search the surrounding area. As additional volunteers arrived at the station, a second D-Class rescue boat was launched to assist in the operation. Clogherhead Coast Guard Unit was also tasked to assist using its thermal imaging drone capabilities.
Within an hour of the search commencing, An Garda Síochána informed Coast Guard personnel on scene that a male matching the description had been located and detained at a separate location. Following confirmation that the individual was the person of concern, MRCC stood the operation down.
Later on Friday afternoon, as rush-hour traffic built up in Drogheda, the Coast Guard was again tasked by MRCC following reports that a person may have entered the River Boyne in an attempt to recover their dog. Members of the public raised concerns for the individual’s safety.
The D-Class rescue boat was launched and directed to the area between Ship Street and the port area, west of the Boyne Viaduct.
Upon arrival, Coast Guard personnel confirmed that the dog had safely made its way out of the water and that all individuals involved were safe and accounted for. The unit was subsequently stood down by MRCC and returned to station.
Drogheda Coast Guard has reminded the public that if they see anyone in difficulty in or near the water, they should immediately dial 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.
