Wicklow RNLI responds to two multi-agency rescues off County Wicklow coast
- Pat Nolan
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
Tuesday 14 July 2026
Wicklow RNLI volunteers were involved in two separate multi-agency rescue operations on Monday afternoon (13 July), launching twice in response to reports of people in difficulty in the water at Silver Strand and Magheramore Beach.
Wicklow RNLI volunteers were involved in two separate multi-agency rescue operations on Monday afternoon (13 July), launching twice in response to reports of people in difficulty in the water at Silver Strand and Magheramore Beach.
The first incident began shortly before 2pm when the Coast Guard received reports that two paddleboarders were in difficulty off Silver Strand Beach.
Wicklow RNLI's all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O'Shea launched at 2.05pm under the command of Coxswain Nick Keogh with a volunteer crew. The station's inshore lifeboat Dennis-Audrey, under the command of Helm Mark Kavanagh and two volunteer crew members, followed five minutes later.
On arrival, the lifeboat crews joined Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 from Dublin and the local Coast Guard shore unit. Conditions at the scene were reported as good visibility with a north-easterly Force 4 wind and a moderate sea.
Explaining the search, Coxswain Nick Keogh said:
"One of the paddle boarders was able to scramble ashore and raise the alarm, so we carried out a search to the south of Silver Strand Beach for the other person. The inshore lifeboat was tasked to search close to shore, and during a sweep along the rocks, the crew spotted a person on the shoreline, they contacted the helicopter crew and gave his position, we stood by as the casualty was winched to safety."
The casualty was airlifted to hospital by Rescue 116. With no further assistance required, both Wicklow RNLI lifeboats were stood down and returned to station, where the volunteer crews prepared the vessels for further service.
Less than three hours later, shortly before 5.30pm, both lifeboats were paged for a second emergency after reports of four people in difficulty in the water at Magheramore Beach.
The inshore lifeboat launched first under the command of Helm Andrew Carlin with two volunteer crew, followed by the all-weather lifeboat under Coxswain Nick Keogh.
The RNLI crews were joined on scene by Rescue 116, the local Coast Guard shore unit and the National Ambulance Service. Sea conditions remained moderate with a north-easterly Force 4 wind.
By the time rescue units arrived, all four casualties had managed to make it ashore, where they were assessed by National Ambulance Service personnel. Both lifeboats remained on scene until the Coast Guard stood the rescue operation down at 6.05pm before returning to Wicklow Harbour.
Following the incident, Wicklow RNLI Launch Authority Iain Fisher reminded the public of the dangers posed by inflatables at the coast.
"Two young people got into difficulties while playing on an inflatable toy in the water at Magheramore Beach. A surfer and swimmer went to their aid and thankfully they all got ashore safely.
"Our advice is to leave all inflatable toys and airbeds on dry land or in the pool, and always remember, if going on the water to please wear a suitable flotation device and ensure you have a means of calling for help should you get into difficulty.
"If you see someone in difficulty in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard."
