The two-person crew of a fishing vessel were successfully located and rescued by the Dublin- based Irish Coast Guard helicopter R116 in the early hours of Thursday morning (29 May 2025) following the sinking of their fishing vessel off Drogheda, Co Louth.

The Coast Guard Marine Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Dublin was alerted shortly before midnight following the detection of an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) transmission.

MRCC Dublin immediately tasked the R116 helicopter, Drogheda Coast Guard Unit, and Clogherhead RNLI to the area. The Coast Guard helicopter was conducting overnight training at the time and it arrived quickly on the scene. The helicopter used its Night Vision Infra-Red System, night vision goggles and other search tools to locate and recover the two casualties from the water.

The casualties, who were wearing life jackets, were immediately transferred to the care of the HSE. The activation of the vessel’s EPIRB and the use of NVIS technology were key aspects of this successful rescue.

Clogherhead RNLI were requested to launch their all-weather to assist the Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 116 from Dublin, following the activation of an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) approximately four nautical miles off the Drogheda Bar.

Rescue 116 was first on scene and located the two fishermen in the water after their vessel had sunk. Upon arrival, the Clogherhead RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew — Coxswain Tomas Whelehan, Derek Shevlin, Brian Sharkey, James Kirk, Denis Levins, and Carol Holdcroft — was asked to stand by while the helicopter crew carried out a winch recovery in calm seas and good visibility. The lifeboat crew provided support by positioning searchlights to assist with the operation.

Both casualties were rescued by Rescue 116 and transported to hospital for observation. Clogherhead RNLI subsequently recovered the EPIRB from the water before being stood down and returning to Clogherhead Lifeboat Station.

Speaking following the call out, Clogherhead RNLI Coxswain Tomas Whelahan said: ‘We were very happy that the two fishermen were safely rescued from the water and that their lifejackets were in full working order, which ultimately saved their lives. The activation of their EPIRB was also crucial in alerting rescue services quickly to their location.

“We urge anyone planning a trip to sea to ensure your vessel is well maintained, has adequate fuel, and that all crew members have properly serviced lifejackets or suitable flotation devices. Carrying an EPIRB or other appropriate emergency communications equipment can make all the difference in a life-threatening situation. If you get into difficulty or see someone in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”