Lough Ree RNLI responds to an early morning call out
Lough Ree RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew conducted a search of the River Shannon after a report of someone possibly entering the water.
At 5.14am this morning (Saturday, 28 April), Lough Ree RNLI was alerted by the Irish Coast Guard, after a report from a member of the public, to the possibility of someone entering the River Shannon in Athlone town.
The volunteer crew of lifeboat, The Eric Rowse were quick to respond and were soon conducting a search above and below the weir in the centre of Athlone town. Conditions were very calm as dawn turned into clear bright morning.
After searching a large area of the river and with regular communication with the Irish Coast Guard in Malin Head, the decision was made to stand down the search at 6.54am and the crew returned to the Station.
Speaking after today’s call out volunteer Lough Ree RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Tony McCarth said ‘if you suspect you have seen someone fall into the river, throw one of the many life-rings that are along the river banks to them with the end of the safety rope secured so doesn’t end up in the river too, then pull them back to the shore and call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard’.
Ends
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For more information please contact Sarah Bradbury Lough Ree RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Tel: 087 1210658 email:
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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 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.
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