COASTGUARD’S ACTIONS PRAISED
DROGHEDA Coastguard responded to an emergency callout on the River Boyne near Donore last Tuesday, December 19th after a group of kayakers got into difficulty.
The three member team contacted emergency services after getting into difficulty on the river between Slane and Donore.
Drogheda Coast Guard unit responded, along with Rescue helicopter 116 from Dublin.
Initial reports where that one kayak had capsized, with one person trapped on an island in the centre of the fast flowing river.
There were also two more people on the north bank at the same location.
An intensive search of the river was carried out by Drogheda Coastguard and Rescue 116.
Rescue 116 then located all three casualties approximately halfway between Donore and Slane.
After a quick consultation between the Coast Guard ground crew, and the crew of the helicopter, It was decided that the Drogheda Coastguard boat would escue the casualty from the island, and the Helicopter crew would look after the other two on the river bank.
The Drogheda Coastguard boat was launched and rescued the casualty from the island, who was brought ashore for assessment.
Rescue 116 landed on site and assessed both casualties on the north river bank.
As it was deemed that no medical assistance was required, the casualties were returned to their vehicles via Coast Guard jeeps.
Both Drogheda Coastguard team and Rescue helicopter 116 where stood down and returned to base.
The Coastguard said they were very happy to have achieved a successful outcome against fading daylight.
In this case the casualties did the right thing by staying in position and ringing for assistance early.
Remember if you see someone in trouble on or near the water dial 112/999 and ask for the Irish Coast Guard.