3rd July 2017 Howth RNLI rescue 2 Dinghy Sailors in difficulties Howth RNLI launched the inshore lifeboat Saturday 1st July to reports of 2 dinghy sailors finding it difficult to return to Portmarnock beach in heavy offshore winds. The inshore lifeboat was tasked at 7.25pm to the scene just off Portmarnock beach and located a Grandfather, his grand-daughter and a lifeguard from the beach in separate dinghies trying to sail back to the shore against strong winds. The smaller dinghy was dismasted and under tow from the larger laser type dinghy. As the young girl was showing signs of cold and fatigue the volunteer lifeboat crew called for an ambulance to meet them at the beach. The casualties were taken aboard the lifeboat and the sailing dinghies taken in tow back to the beach where the young girl was met by her Father who had raised the alarm. Both sailors were treated and checked by the ambulance crew on arrival. The wind was Force 5 and the sea state was moderate at the time Speaking following the call out, Stephen Harris, Howth RNLI DLA said: ‘We were delighted to assist the sailors after they found themselves in difficulty. The Father had quickly radioed for assistance which was the correct thing to do and we were able to launch and bring the sailors to safety.’ Ends Notes to editors • Howth RNLI lifeboat station has been operating since 1862. (Howth Lifeboat station was established prior to 1825 and was taken over by the Institution in 1862 from the Dublin Ballast Board) To learn more about the lifeboat station go to http://rnli.org/findmynearest/station/Pages/Howth-Lifeboat-Station.aspx • A photocall will be held on Saturday morning at the lifeboat station. Please contact the lifeboat station press officer to register your attendance • Coxswain Fred Connolly is available for interview • A video of Howth Lifeboat on joint RNLI exercise with Clogherhead and Skerries lifeboats http://rnli.org/Pages/Video- Details.aspx?VideoItemID=CHYzSwBX RNLI media contacts For more information please telephone Noel Davidson, Howth RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 086 2599531 or email: [email protected], Niamh Stephenson RNLI Media Relations Manager Tel: 087 1254 124 / 01 8900 460 email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Tel: 087 648 3547 / 01 8900 460 email: [email protected] RNLI online For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.org/press Key facts about the RNLI The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations with 44 in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of the Coast Guard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland and registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SCO37736) .