Drogheda Coast Guard involved in major search operation after vehicle found abandoned on M1 bridge
Sunday 20 September 2026
Drogheda Coast Guard Unit was tasked late on Friday night, 18 September, following a request from An Garda Síochána for assistance with a search in the area of the Mary McAleese Boyne Valley Bridge on the M1.
At 11:20pm, the unit was tasked by the National Maritime Operations Centre (NMOC) after a vehicle was located on the bridge with no occupants inside, prompting an immediate search of the surrounding area.
Drogheda Coast Guard launched one of its rescue boats and deployed two land search teams. The Clogherhead Coast Guard Drone Team was also requested to assist in the operation.
A coordinated search then got underway by land, water and air, with Coast Guard personnel working across the area.
Approximately 45 minutes into the operation, the Clogherhead Coast Guard drone team identified what appeared to be a possible heat signature. A Drogheda Coast Guard search team was directed towards the location by the drone operator.
The team made its way through extremely heavy terrain and dense bushes to reach the area identified by the drone, but nothing was located at that position. The search subsequently continued across the surrounding area.
Throughout the operation, NMOC was able to receive a live feed from the Coast Guard drone, allowing personnel at the operations centre to monitor the search as it developed.
As Coast Guard personnel on the bridge were discussing further search options with Gardaí, an individual was noticed walking towards them.
The person was identified as the occupant of the vehicle the Coast Guard crews had been searching for.
The casualty was very wet and was in need of assistance. An ambulance was immediately requested, while Coast Guard personnel provided first aid after the casualty displayed signs of mild hypothermia.
The National Ambulance Service arrived swiftly at the scene and the casualty was handed over to paramedics for onward care.
With the casualty located and safely transferred into the care of the ambulance service, all Coast Guard resources were subsequently stood down by NMOC.
Drogheda Coast Guard thanked all personnel involved in the coordinated search operation.
If you see someone in difficulty on the coast, cliffs or in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
