Busy weekend for Lough Ree RNLI volunteers

Lough Ree RNLI volunteers had a busy weekend with three launch requests in 36 hours to assist 10 people in three separate incidents.

On Saturday, (28 July) at 12.28pm, the Irish Coast Guard in Malin Head requested Lough Ree RNLI to launch to assist five people aboard two private vessels that had run aground east of Inchenagh Island to the north of Lough Ree. Conditions on the lake at the time were blustery force 4 wind with heavy rain showers and choppy waters. When the lifeboat crew arrived on scene, one vessel was still aground, while the second vessel, a barge with one person, had freed itself and did not require assistance. The first vessel had two adults and two children onboard and having determined all onboard were ok and the vessel was not taking on water the lifeboat crew members proceeded to tow the vessel into safe water where they were able to continue under their own power to Portrunny.

At 6pm on Saturday evening the lifeboat crew was requested to assist two people onboard a vessel that had run aground in Bantry Bay on the north eastern shore of Lough Ree. While enroute to provide assistance the Coast Guard advised the lifeboat volunteers that the casualty vessel had been in contact to say they had refloated, the Coast Guard requested the lifeboat crew continue to ensure that all was ok, which it was.

On Sunday, (29 July) at 5.05pm the lifeboat volunteers were once again called into action when two people onboard a vessel went around near Inch Cleraun on the western side of Lough Ree. Conditions on Sunday were slightly overcast with a force 2-3 breeze and a very slight chop on the water. The lifeboat crew were quickly on scene and having assessed the vessel for damage towed her into deeper waters and then established an alongside tow to bring her into Portrunny Harbour.

Speaking following the weekend, Lough Ree RNLI Volunteer Press Officer Sarah Bradbury said: ‘As we approach the August Bank Holiday Weekend, we would like to remind everyone to respect the water. When out on the water always wear your lifejacket and carry a means of communication, either a mobile phone or a VHF radio, so you can request assistance if needed.’

Ends

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Sarah Bradbury Lough Ree RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Tel: 087 1210658 email: [email protected] or Nuala McAloon RNLI Regional Media Officer Tel: 087 6483547 email: [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Regional Media Manager Tel: 087 1254 124 / 01 8900 460 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.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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