Lough Ree RNLI assists six people on boat grounded on Hexagon Shoal

At 9.35am today (Sunday 15 April) Lough Ree RNLI volunteers were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat by Malin Head Coast Guard and go to the assistance of a motor boat that had run aground on the Hexagon Shoal in the south east of Lough Ree.

At 9.42am the lifeboat The Eric Rowse was launched with helm Kieron Sloyan and crewmembers Kieran Scullion and Emmet Devereux onboard. Winds were blowing from the south east and were a breezy force 3 to 4 with moderate lake conditions and good visibility.

The crew were quickly on the scene and having ensured everyone on board were uninjured they completed a thorough examination of the boat before towing the vessel off the shoal.

Once in safe waters one of the crew members remained on the casualty boat as their boat was escorted to Coosan Point for further examination. There was a concern that there may be some damage to the hull so the boat was brought across to Quigleys Marina to examine the hull further.

Speaking following the call out, Lough Ree RNLI Helm Kieron Sloyan said ‘We would advise all boat users to ensure before they start their journey that they are familiar with navigation on the lake and in particular that they take note of any changes to navigation that may have occurred over the winter months.’

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For more information please contact Sarah Bradbury Lough Ree RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 087 1210658 email: sarahlpowell@yahoo.co.uk or Nuala McAloon RNLI Regional Media Officer on 087 6483547 email: Nuala_McAloon@rnli.org or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Regional Media Manager on 087 1254 124 / 01 8900 460 email Niamh_Stephenson@rnli.org

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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 over 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 142,700 lives.

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