At 10:05 this morning, the Skerries Coast Guard team were tasked by the Coast Guard’s Marine Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) to assist a kitesurfer in difficulty. Concerned members of the public on the South Beach, Rush had contacted the Coast Guard on 999 to report that a lone kitesurfer appeared to be in serious difficulty some 200 metres off the shore. The Coast Guard’s Sikorsky helicopter, Rescue 116, based at Dublin Airport was also immediately tasked to the scene. The Skerries lifeboat was also requested to assist.

Both the Skerries Coast Guard team and the Coast Guard helicopter arrived at the scene within minutes and quickly located the kitesurfer. The adult male’s limbs had become tightly tangled in the lines of the kite. He was unable to free himself and as a result, his movement in the water was severely restricted. Fortunately, the kitesurfer was wearing a suitable buoyancy aid which kept him afloat. Conditions on scene were very difficult with Northwest winds gusting force 7 to 8.

The Coast Guard helicopter launched a winch operation and successfully rescued the kitesurfer from the sea. He was then landed safely on the shoreline. The Skerries Coast Guard team cut the kitesurfer free from his lines and provided medical assistance. Fortunately, the kitesurfer was uninjured and suffering only mild hypothermia.

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31st March..

Das gobben Shyten

DOLLYMOUNT, DUBLIN (17th November 2008) - At dusk tonight ~16:25, volunteers at Howth Coast Guard Unit were requested to assist in the recovery of a casualty from the sea at Dollymount beach, Dublin. The casualty had been kitesurfing and become tangled in the lines of the kite. With darkness fast approaching and unable to return to shore, on-lookers at the scene alerted the Coast Guard.

Howth Coast Guard responded with a full coastal search team at Dollymount and Sutton Creek. At 17:11 the casualty was located by the thermal imaging aboard Rescue Helicopter 116 and recovered by Howth Inshore Lifeboat. The casualty was transported by the D-Class boat to Howth Coast Guard members on the beach who assisted the casualty until an ambulance handover was available.

Howth Lifeboat issued a statement to the Irish Times and gave advice worth repeating:

“The RNLI recommends that when engaging in water sports of any kind that people should make themselves visible by wearing instruments like a personal strobe and by never going out unaccompanied. This man was lucky that we found him in time, it also highlights the need for the 24 hour search and rescue service that the RNLI provide.”

Further Resources: Irish Water Safety - Kite Surfing Guidelines

If you spot someone in trouble at sea, on the cliffs or coast, even if you ‘think’ that someone may be in trouble, dial 112/999 and ask for the Coast Guard.