Skerries RNLI responds to yacht dragging anchor off Balbriggan

Sunday 23 August 2026

Skerries RNLI volunteers were called out shortly before 6am on Saturday morning, 22 August, following a 999 call from a yacht in difficulty off the north County Dublin coast.

Early morning response for Skerries RNLI , as the ILB Louis Simson approaches the casualty yacht off the north Dublin coast as the sun rises. Photo: RNLI/Gerry Canning

Dublin Coast Guard requested the launch after the nine-metre yacht reported that it had fouled its propeller and was dragging its anchor. The vessel, with one person on board, gave its position as approximately 200 metres from the shore between Skerries and Balbriggan.

Skerries RNLI launched its Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, Louis Simson, and proceeded towards Balbriggan Harbour. The lifeboat crew quickly located the casualty vessel and went alongside to assess the situation.

The sailor explained that, while attempting to free his anchor from the seabed, the anchor chain had become entangled around the vessel’s steering and propeller. As the lifeboat stood off, however, the crew observed that the chain appeared to have worked itself free.

A volunteer lifeboat crew member was therefore put aboard the yacht to assist with raising the anchor. Once the anchor had been safely recovered, the volunteer returned to Louis Simson, which then escorted the yacht for several minutes.

With the sailor satisfied that everything was in order and happy to continue his journey, the lifeboat stood down and returned to Skerries RNLI station.

At the time of the call-out, conditions were Force 3 north-westerly winds, good visibility and a slight sea swell.

Speaking following the call-out, Skerries RNLI volunteer lifeboat press officer Gerry Canning said: “This was an early start for our volunteers, but they are always ready to respond at any time of the day or night. The person in difficulty took the correct course of action in dialling 999 and asking for the Coast Guard.”

The call-out highlights the importance of contacting the Coast Guard at the first sign of difficulty when at sea, allowing the appropriate rescue resources to be mobilised quickly.