Skerries RNLI launch to reports of motorboat with engine failure

Friday 27 June 2025

Skerries RNLI were tasked by Dublin Coast Guard yesterday afternoon (Thursday 26) following a 999 call from a member of the public reporting that a boat was in difficulty off Skerries headland.

Skerries RNLI returning to station. Photo Credit : Gerry Canning

Shortly after 2pm, the volunteer crew launched their Atlantic 85 Inshore Lifeboat “Louis Simson” and proceeded directly towards the casualty who was less than a mile north of Red Island. The crew had established a visual before their boat had left the trailer.

As they approached the vessel it became clear that a nearby sailing yacht had already offered assistance and had established a tow. As the lifeboat came alongside, the motorboat managed to get their engine running again and the two men on board wished to continue on their journey to Balbriggan under their own power.

The tow was parted and the yacht returned to their original course towards their destination of Carlingford and the lifeboat returned to station where it was recovered from the water and made ready for the next service.

Conditions at the time were force 3 to 4 westerly winds with a smooth sea and good visibility.

The volunteers in Skerries were also tasked by Dublin Coastguard shortly after 7.30pm on Tuesday evening, alongside Howth RNLI and the Coast Guard rescue helicopter R116, after the alarm was raised when a member of crew fell overboard from a fishing vessel 14 miles east of Rockabill lighthouse. Just as the lifeboat launched, they received confirmation that the fishing vessel had managed to locate the crew member, get them back on board, and were heading back to shore with no immediate medical attention required. All assets were stood down and returned to base.

Speaking about the call outs, volunteer lifeboat press officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said “Thankfully both launches ended with a positive outcome. The young man who fell from the fishing vessel was wearing his lifejacket and a personal locator beacon which is really encouraging to hear. Things can change in the blink of an eye out at sea and having the correct safety equipment can save your life.”