The bouy/marker washed up on Greystones beach.
The bouy/marker washed up on Greystones beach.
The bouy/marker washed up on Greystones beach.
The force of Storm Darragh is becoming more evident as the fallout from the category 2 tempest is still being found at locations along the east coast, including Greystones, County Wicklow where a local resident stumbled upon an unusual object this week.
Patrick Neary, who runs the Historical Greystones Facebook page, was out on his morning rambles when he literally bumped into what is believed to be a ‘cardinal marker’ – a big bloody buoy in layman’s terms – which was still transmitting.
There were many comments following social media Patrick’s post, and leaving aside the UFO and Cliff Walk jokes, it appears the marker was moored at the Bennet Bank, which is about eight kilometres off Howth Head.
In a statement, the Commissioners of Irish Lights said the missing Bennet Bank buoy is part of Irish Lights’ extensive network of over 300 general marine aids to navigation, which ensure safe passage for vessels around the Irish coastline, north and south.
It was located in Dublin Bay, north of Kish Lighthouse, and plays a vital role in marking hazards and guiding maritime traffic coming into Dublin Port.
“During Storm Darragh, the buoy broke free from its mooring and drifted ashore,” it said. “Its AIS (Automatic Identification System) allowed it to be tracked as it moved, and a Radio Navigation Warning (RNW) was issued promptly and Virtual Aid to Navigation (AtoN) was deployed to maintain safety in the area.
The bouy/marker washed up on Greystones beach.
“Irish Lights’ tender Granuaile was recalled from the southwest to manage the situation. Upon arrival, the crew deployed a temporary replacement buoy at Bennet Bank, ensuring continuity of service. Plans are now underway to recover the original buoy from the beach and return it to Irish Lights facilities in Dun Laoghaire for inspection and maintenance.”
