Howth RNLI were called to three separate emergencies on Dublin's hottest day on record.
A child went missing in Portmarnock with an inshore lifeboat being launched at 2:20pm to help. The Rescue 116 helicopter and the Howth Coast Guard unit were also called.
An urgent 'Peter-Pan' message was then sent from a yacht with three people in difficulty. They were five miles North East of Howth. This meant that the all-weather lifeboat launched to find the missing child had to be re-directed.
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Thankfully, the crew of the inshore lifeboat were informed that the missing child had been located on Portmarnock beach. They were placed into the care of the Howth Coast Guard team and the inshore lifeboat was sent towards the yacht in difficulty.
The yacht was found five miles offshore. It had rigging problems and was unable to make way because of the moderate winds. The crew were directed to hold the yacht steady on a certain compass setting while the all-weather lifeboat was moved to transfer a RNLI crew member on board.
This crew member helped the people on the yacht to secure the rigging. The all-weather lifeboat then escorted the yacht back safely to Howth harbour.
However, the inshore lifeboat was quickly called to a third incident when a powerboat carrying a family of four suffered an engine failure. The powerboat was being blown ashore off Portrane and a passing boat had come to the family's aid and secured a tow. The RNLI then escorted the boat to safety.
Howth RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Colm Newport said that the sunny weather has resulted in a very busy time for the charity.
He advised boat owners to make sure they are properly trained and to be prepared for the unexpected.
Colm said: "Thankfully the outcome of all of these incidents was positive with the missing child located safe and well and the crews of both the yacht and powerboat returned safely ashore.
"Our volunteer crew train regularly to deal with all types of incidents on the water. As the sun shines and more people spend time on the water it’s the charity's busiest time for its lifeboat crews.
"When going to the beach, it’s important to swim where lifeguards are present and to swim between the red and yellow flags.
"For boat owners, it’s important to ensure you have undergone the right training so that you can develop your skills to be prepared for when things go wrong. Your engine should be well maintained and if you do get into difficulty, make sure you have an anchor on board and a means of calling for help.
"Our volunteer lifeboat crew are on call 24/7 and if you do get into difficulty or you see someone in trouble call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard."
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