Drogheda Coast Guard Assists Stranded Vessel on River Boyne During Busy Port Operations
- Pat Nolan
- Jun 4
- 2 min read
Thursday 4 June 2026
DROGHEDA, Co Louth - Drogheda Coast Guard Unit was tasked this afternoon to assist a small vessel that became stranded and lost power on the River Boyne during a full flood tide.
The incident unfolded shortly before 1:30 p.m. when the Marine Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Dublin received reports of a small boat with two people on board that had become stranded in the river and was unable to manoeuvre under its own power. Given the vessel's location and the presence of multiple commercial ship movements within Drogheda Port, Drogheda Coast Guard's boat crew was requested to launch.
At approximately 1:30 p.m., the unit's D-Class rescue boat launched with a crew of three and proceeded to the vessel's last reported position near the Banktown North Navigational Marker.
As the Coast Guard vessel approached the scene, a large commercial ship was making its outbound transit from the river. The casualty vessel had meanwhile taken shelter on higher ground due to the prevailing spring tide conditions. Drogheda Port Company vessel MV Boyne Havlock remained in the vicinity and monitored the situation until Coast Guard personnel arrived.
Upon reaching the vessel, Coast Guard crew established contact with the two occupants and carried out an assessment of the casualty craft. Following authorisation from MRCC Dublin, the vessel was taken under side-by-side tow and transported to the Fishmeal area, where additional Drogheda Coast Guard personnel were positioned ashore to assist with recovery operations.
The vessel was subsequently recovered and secured without incident. Once the operation was complete, MRCC Dublin stood the unit down and both the land-based and boat crews returned to station.
The incident highlights the importance of proper preparation before heading onto the water. Coast Guard officials noted that the occupants were appropriately equipped for their trip, wearing suitable clothing and lifejackets and carrying communications equipment, which enabled them to quickly seek assistance when required.
Members of the public are reminded that if they see anyone in difficulty on the water or along the coast, they should dial 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.
