Drogheda Coast Guard Responds to Two Callouts in One Day
- Pat Nolan
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
Tuesday 4 August 2026
Drogheda Coast Guard Unit responded to two separate incidents on Monday 3 August, assisting in a search operation for a missing person before later preparing to launch to reports of a kite surfer in difficulty off Bettystown Beach.
The first callout came following a request from An Garda SÃochána through MRCC Dublin to assist in a search operation on the north side of Drogheda for a person reported missing overnight.
Drogheda Coast Guard Unit was tasked alongside the Clogherhead Coast Guard Drone Team, with ground search teams supported by aerial drone operations as part of a coordinated search involving multiple emergency services.
During the operation, the casualty was located by a member of the Coast Guard. Crew members immediately administered first aid before the person was transferred into the care of the National Ambulance Service for further assessment and treatment.
The successful outcome highlighted the close cooperation between An Garda SÃochána, MRCC Dublin, the Irish Coast Guard and the National Ambulance Service, ensuring a swift and coordinated response.
Later that evening, at 6.20pm, Drogheda Coast Guard Unit was paged for a second time when MRCC Dublin requested the launch of the unit's D-Class Rescue Boat and the deployment of land search crews following reports of a person, believed to be a kite surfer, in difficulty off Bettystown Beach.
MRCC Dublin also requested assistance from a commercial vessel waiting offshore to enter Drogheda Port, asking the crew to provide any observations that could assist the responding rescue units.
As the rescue boat was being launched and shore crews deployed, MRCC Dublin received confirmation that contact had been made with the kite surfer, who was safely ashore and did not require assistance.
With the casualty accounted for, all Coast Guard assets were stood down.
Following the incidents, the Coast Guard reminded anyone planning activities on or near the water to check weather and sea conditions, wear suitable safety equipment and always let someone know their plans before setting out.
Anyone who sees a person in difficulty on or near the water should dial 112 or 999 immediately and ask for the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard also continues to promote the Call, Tell, Throw message: call for help, tell the casualty that help is on the way, and, if safe to do so, throw a suitable flotation aid. Members of the public are reminded never to enter the water to attempt a rescue unless they are appropriately trained and equipped.