Drogheda Coast Guard Responds to Two Emergency Callouts in Under 48 Hours

Thursday 16 July 2026

Drogheda Coast Guard Unit responded to two separate emergency incidents in less than 48 hours this week, underlining the sustained pressure that the recent spell of warm weather is placing on volunteer search and rescue crews.

Drogheda Coast Guard volunteers on scene at Bettystown Beach after reports of swimmers in difficulty. Fortunately, all casualties reached shore safely before rescue assets were required, allowing the unit to stand down. Photo: Drogheda Coast Guard

The first incident occurred on Tuesday evening as members of Drogheda Coast Guard were concluding a training exercise in Slane. While returning from training, the unit was tasked by MRCC Dublin following reports of several swimmers in difficulty at Bettystown Beach.

The crew immediately returned to station to prepare and launch the unit's D-Class rescue boat, while additional land-based volunteers were dispatched directly to the scene.

As Coast Guard personnel were responding, MRCC Dublin received confirmation that all of the swimmers had made it safely ashore. With no further assistance required, Drogheda Coast Guard Unit was stood down before reaching the incident.

The second callout came shortly before 2:00pm on Thursday when MRCC Dublin tasked Drogheda Coast Guard following reports of a female in the River Boyne opposite Drogheda Garda Station.

The Coast Guard requested the immediate launch of the unit's D-Class rescue boat while land-based crews were also dispatched.

As the first land crew arrived and additional volunteers made their way to station to launch the rescue boat, the casualty had drifted beneath the Bridge of Peace on the outgoing tide.

The casualty was successfully brought safely ashore, where she was met by members of Drogheda Coast Guard, An Garda Síochána and a doctor who was present at the scene. She was subsequently taken into the care of An Garda Síochána for her safety.

Following the successful conclusion of the incident, MRCC Dublin stood the Coast Guard unit down and all crews returned to station.

With warm weather continuing to attract more people to beaches, rivers and coastal areas, Drogheda Coast Guard is reminding the public to exercise caution when entering or spending time near the water.

Anyone who sees a person in difficulty in or near the water should dial 112 or 999 immediately and ask for the Coast Guard.

The public is also encouraged to remember the water rescue principle: Call, Tell, Throw — call the emergency services, tell the casualty that help is on the way, and throw a suitable flotation aid if it is safe to do so. Members of the public should never enter the water to attempt a rescue unless they are properly trained and equipped.