Late night search as Wicklow RNLI lifeboats launch as part of a multi-agency response to reports of missing person

Tuesday 2 September 2025

Wicklow RNLI volunteers launched both the all-weather lifeboat and inshore lifeboat last night (1 September) after being paged by the Coast Guard who had received reports of a possible person in the water.

File photo of Wicklow Lifeboat. Photo Credit: RNLI/Wicklow

The Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 116 from Dublin, Coast Guard land units and the Gardai were also involved in the search.

The crew pagers sounded at 21:22pm after the Coast Guard received reports of a possible missing person.

The volunteer crew launched the all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O’Shea shortly after under the command of Coxswain Nicky Keogh, while the inshore lifeboat Dennis-Audrey was launched under the command of helm Alan Goucher.

The volunteer crew immediately began their search from the harbour north along the Murrough in calm seas and winds.

With the assistance of all agencies a thorough search of the area was carried out and with nothing further found all units were stood down by the Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre.

The volunteer crew returned to Wicklow harbour and made both boats ready for service.

Speaking after the callout Coxswain Nicky Keogh said ‘A thorough search of the area was undertaken and with nothing found we were stood down. This was a genuine call with good intent. We would advise anyone, if they see or suspect someone in difficulty on the water to please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard’.