Skerries RNLI rescue three men in two boats
- Pat Nolan
- Dec 18, 2025
- 2 min read
Wednesday 17 December 2025
Skerries RNLI volunteers were tasked by Dublin Coast Guard shortly after 3pm on Tuesday (December 16) afternoon to investigate reports of two vessels in difficulty near the Perch buoy off Skerries.
On Tuesday afternoon, Dublin Coast Guard received a 999 call reporting that two vessels appeared to be in difficulty between the Perch buoy in Skerries and the rocky shoreline to the rear of the lifeboat station. The volunteers in Skerries launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat “Louis Simson” and proceeded directly towards the two casualty vessels, which they had already established a visual on while launching.
One of the boats, with two men on board, had become disabled after fouling their propeller and striking rocks. The second boat, with one man on board, had attempted to offer assistance, and unfortunately also struck rocks after fouling their propeller.
Both boats were located in an area that is susceptible to strong currents. With the light beginning to fade, and the tide starting to flood, the Helm decided that the safest course of action would be to tow them, one at a time, to the safety of Skerries harbour.
One of the boats had an anchor deployed, so it was decided to tow the other one first. The lifeboat was carefully positioned close enough to allow a volunteer crew member board the vessel and assist in securing a line. A tow was established, and the boat was brought carefully into deeper water before being towed to the harbour. The lifeboat then returned to the second boat and repeated the procedure.
Dublin Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 was also tasked and stood by until the lifeboat had established a tow.
Conditions at the time were force three to four westerly winds with a smooth sea and good visibility.
Speaking about the call outs, volunteer lifeboat press officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said “It was unusual to have to two casualty vessels on a single rescue so close to the station, but our volunteers train hard to ensure they are well prepared to deal with whatever situation they come across Thanks to the skill of our volunteers all three men made it safely ashore.”
