Fenit RNLI launches to the aid of a windsurfer off Kerry Coast
- Pat Nolan
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Friday 10 April 2026
Volunteer lifeboat crew from RNLI Fenit responded to an emergency call this morning (Friday, 10 April) after a windsurfer got into difficulty north of Scarggane Bay.
The crew were requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat at 11:28am following a report from the Irish Coast Guard. The alarm had been raised by a concerned member of the public who spotted the windsurfer in trouble.
Launching immediately under Coxswain John Moriarty, with four crew members onboard, the lifeboat made its way toward the reported location. The Irish Coast Guard also tasked Rescue 115 helicopter from Shannon to assist in the operation.
Conditions at sea were challenging, with a force 6–7 south-westerly wind and a significant 5-metre swell. Despite this, the lifeboat crew proceeded approximately eight nautical miles from the station to reach the scene.
As they approached, an update from the Coast Guard confirmed that a local fishing crew, who had been nearby at the time, had already reached the casualty. The windsurfer had been safely recovered from the water and was being brought back to Scarggane Pier.
Fenit RNLI were asked to remain on standby until the casualty was safely ashore. The individual was reported to be cold but otherwise safe and well.
Following further checks by the Coast Guard, it was confirmed that the casualty did not require medical attention. Both the lifeboat and Rescue 115 helicopter were subsequently stood down.
Speaking following the call out, Fergus Kelliher, Fenit RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘We would like to commend the member of the public for their vigilance this morning in raising the alarm when they spotted someone in difficulty, that is always the right thing to do. We would also like to wish the windsurfer well. Our crew responded quickly this morning and launched into deteriorating weather conditions. We would like to commend them and our colleagues from the Coast Guard for their efforts.
‘We would like to remind anyone planning a trip to sea to go prepared. Always check the weather and tides in advance and always let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
