Dún Laoghaire RNLI Lifeboat Launches to two Motorboaters in difficulty

Sunday 27 July 2025

The volunteer crew of Dún Laoghaire lifeboat was paged at 8:14pm yesterday (Saturday) in response to a call to the Coast Guard made by a member of the public.

Photo Credit: RNLI/Aoife Ward

The D-Class inshore lifeboat was launched minutes later and rushed to the West Pier. The crew worked quickly to locate the broken-down motorboat, but to their surprise, found it had been blown across the Harbour. The 16ft vessel ended up amongst the moored sailing boats off the East Pier.

A second casualty who was separated from the same boat was also rescued from a moored pontoon off the West Pier on the other side of the harbour. The casualty vessel was made safe, towed, and the boaters were safely brought back to Dún Laoghaire Marina.

Volunteer lifeboat Helm Paul Cummins commented, “Thankfully, a vigilant walker spotted the lads in difficulty and got straight onto the Coast Guard by calling 999. Time is of the essence, and every minute counts. Motorboaters should always wear life jackets and carry additional methods of calling for help, such as a personal locator beacon (PLB) or VHF radio set to channel 16. "

After the rescue operation, the lifeboat crew returned to the station. Following standard procedures, the lifeboat was thoroughly cleaned, refuelled, and made ready for its next service.

For more information on how to stay safe on the water, visit the RNLI website at https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/yacht-sailing-and-motorboating#calling-for-help

To stay safe:

• Check the weather and tides before heading out and if walking the shoreline, be vigilant for incoming tides that can cause strandings

• Be aware of rip currents - strong currents can pull even the most experienced swimmers out to sea

• Go to lifeguarded beaches, always swim with others, never alone

• Always swim within your depth and stay within your depth

• When on the water always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid

• Remember children require constant uninterrupted supervision near water

• Let someone ashore know of your plans and return time

• Always have a means to call for help such as a fully charged mobile phone or marine VHF Radio

Dún Laoghaire RNLI's volunteer crew included helm Paul Cummins, Simon Wall, and Ciaran Deane.