By Dan Walsh
Courtown RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Frank was launched at 3.54pm on Tuesday after a concerned member of the public spotted two people that appeared to be in difficulty off Morriscastle beach and called 112/999 to alert the Coast Guard.
Conditions were ‘calm’ but the volunteer crew were stood down while on route, as the people had managed to safely return to shore on their own. The lifeboat returned to station at 4.34pm and was prepared for the next rescue.
Courtown RNLI Lifeboat Helm Robert Ierton said; “The people who alerted the Coast Guard did the right thing. Always call 112/999 as soon as possible and ask for the Coast Guard if you think somebody is in trouble. While we weren’t needed this time, the next time it could make all the difference.”
Later the same day as the Courtown RNLI Lifeboat crew were preparing for a training exercise, a member of the public spotted an inflatable with two people on board who appeared to be in difficulty off Courtown beach.
Courtown RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Frank, launched at 7.10pm and was quickly on scene where they escorted the two tourists and the inflatable to shore and returned to the harbour at 7.30pm.
Courtown RNLI Lifeboat helm Brian McEvoy said: “You have to be very careful with inflatables in offshore winds, you can be blown out to sea much more quickly than you think. Always call 112/999 and ask for the Coast Guard if you think somebody is in trouble. Getting to someone in difficulties quickly makes all the difference.”
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