Flare off Quilty

D.Spillane

Last night , just after the weekly training exercise, Doolin Coast Guard was tasked by MRCC Valentia to an incident off Quilty. A member of the public reported seeing a flare off Quilty and that they could also see lights of a boat west of Mutton Island. The team prepared the Delta for launch, launched from Doolin Pier and proceeded to Mutton Island. The Aran Islands Lifeboat and the Shannon based rescue helicopter, were also tasked and responded. Other Doolin Coast Guard members went by road to check other piers and harbours in the area and to Quilty Pier. Local fishermen from Quilty confirmed that there were no local boats missing from the pier and that the boat that could be seen off the Island was a fishing vessel and had been in that area most of that day.

On arrival at the scene the Doolin Delta boat carried out a search.The boat was confirmed to be the  fishing vessel Ocean Dawn and they communicated through Valentia Coast Guard Radio that they had not seen anything unusual in the area. The vessel moved position and assisted by shining search lights around the area. The Shannon Coast Guard Helicopter also carried out a search. All teams were stood down. It was a false alarm with good intent.

Incident 43/10