Lough Ree RNLI assist three people after boat breaks down in late night call out
Lough Ree RNLI assisted three people, one man and two women, after their boat broke down at the north end of Lough Ree last night (Monday 19 June).
The volunteer crew was alerted by the Irish Coast Guard in Malin Head at 11.40pm, to assist three people onboard a speed boat to the north of Lough Ree near Inch McDermott and Ferinch Islands.
Matt Harte, Lough Ree RNLI Deputy Launching Authority and shore crew Eamon Flynn and Denis Buckley prepared the inshore lifeboat, The Eric Rowse for launch with helm Stan Bradbury and crew Kieran Scullion and Tony Diskin onboard.
Weather conditions at the time were described as breezy with a force 2-3 wind with heavy cloud cover, making it challenging for the lifeboat crew to locate the casualty vessel.
Upon arriving near Inch McDermott, the lifeboat crew lit two illumination flares to enable them to locate the casualty vessel. The three onboard were able to light a small fire to further enable the lifeboat crew to locate them on a rocky outcrop to the western side of Ferinch Island.
Having ensured everyone onboard was uninjured and having inspected the boat for damage, the gentleman left the casualty vessel and joined the crew on the inshore lifeboat to assist with navigation through a small channel to a nearby harbour on the shore while the two ladies remained onboard the casualty vessel while it was brought under tow to the harbour.
Speaking following the call out, Stan Bradbury, Lough Ree RNLI Helm said: ‘We were delighted to be of assistance last night and would remind anyone planning a trip on the lake to always carry a means of calling or signalling for help. This becomes even more important at night or when visibility is reduced.’
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