Sligo Bay RNLI Responds to Potential Water Safety Incident
- Pat Nolan
- Apr 30
- 2 min read
Thursday 30 April 2026
Sligo Bay RNLI was requested to launch on Tuesday afternoon (28 April) following a report of a potential water safety incident off Deadman’s Point.
The alert was raised at 2:47pm by Malin Head Coast Guard after swimmers in the area became concerned upon spotting clothing left unattended on the shore for several hours, along with a pair of Crocs floating in the water.
In response, the volunteer RNLI crew launched their inshore lifeboat, the Sheila & Dennis Tongue, at 2:58pm. An extensive search operation of the surrounding waters was carried out.
The lifeboat crew was assisted by Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118, which joined the search efforts from its base in Sligo.
After a thorough search yielded no signs of anyone in difficulty and with no missing persons reported, the Coast Guard stood down the operation at 3:58pm.
Speaking after the call out, Dermot Gillen, Sligo Bay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: 'The swimmers did the right thing by raising the alarm with the Coast Guard when they spotted the items of clothing as we know in that every minute can count if someone is in the water. Thankfully in this case it was a false alarm with good intent but we would always much rather launch and find that all is well than not launch at all.'
'As we approach the Bank Holiday, we would encourage anyone planning a trip to the coast, to go prepared. If you are going for a swim, don't go alone, wear a bright coloured cap and a tow float. If you are planning an activity at sea, always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device. Always let someone know where you are going and when you are due back and carry a means of communication. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'
