Lough Ree RNLI assist 30 people over six days
Lough Ree RNLI crew assisted 30 people aboard seven vessels during an exceptionally busy few days for the volunteers last week.
The crew of Lough Ree lifeboat The Eric Rowse had an early start last Sunday (2 July) when they were dispatched to assist two people on board a motor cruiser aground west of Inch McDermott on Lough Ree at 5.40 am.
Over the course of the day, the lifeboat crew diverted from the RNLI Athlone River Festival several times to assist a further 16 people and three vessels experiencing various difficulties including running aground, engine failure and running out of fuel.
Weather conditions on Sunday were described as dry and sunny with light winds.
The lifeboat was called out again on Tuesday (4 July), Thursday (6 July) and Friday (7 July) to assist a further 12 people aboard three motor cruisers in difficulty.
In all cases, the people on board were uninjured and were brought to safety by the lifeboat volunteers.
Speaking on Friday, Lough Ree RNLI Deputy Launching Authority Billy Henshaw said: ‘This is the busiest time of year on the lake, and it is great to see so many people enjoying all that Lough Ree has to offer. We would like to remind all users of the lake to ensure they stay SAFE - Spot the dangers, take Advice, inform a Friend of your plans and know what to do in an Emergency. It is also important to remain aware of where you are in relation to navigation markers.’
Ends
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Sarah Groarke Lough Ree RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Tel: 086 8075253 email: [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager Tel: 087 1254 124 / 01 8900 460 email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Tel: 087 6483547 email: [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.