Major rescue exercise in Dublin Bay

A major search-and-rescue training exercise is under way in Dublin Bay this morning.

Taking place in Scotsman’s Bay to the south of Dún Laoghaire, it will not affect shipping as it is being held outside regular shipping routes.

The exercise began at 11.30 a.m. with a mayday declaration by a Liverpool-bound Dublin ferry.

Irish rescue services, co-ordinated by the Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre, will simulate the response to what is being called a major maritime emergency off the Dublin coast.

Up to 40 passengers will be evacuated from the ferry to the shoreline and to hospitals in the east-coast area.

Activating the Dublin Metropolitan Major Incident Plan, the exercise is designed to test the capability of the Irish Coast Guard to handle such an emergency and is being held as part of the Government’s commitment to the Safety of Life at Sea regulations.

It is the first time an exercise of this scale has taken place in Ireland, and Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources Mr Frank Fahey called for public co-operation during the 90-minute-long exercise.

The public watch the exercise from the West Pier in Dún Laoghaire.