Lough Ree RNLI in two callouts while training

While carrying out their regular monthly training, on board the Inshore Lifeboat The Eric Rowse, Lough Ree RNLI volunteers were requested by the Irish Coast Guard to divert to assist one person on board a 32 foot motor cruiser who had reported having a fire on board. The casualty had made his own way to Lough Ree Yacht Club. When the lifeboat crew arrived on scene there was smoke coming from the engine bay. The boat was evacuated and a tow line prepared to tow the casualty vessel clear of the marina in case the fire got worse. Athlone Fire Service were soon on scene and the two crews worked together to assess the situation and identified an issue with the port (left) engine. When satisfied there was no further risk of fire, Athlone Fire Service departed and the casualty vessel returned to their home marina using their starboard (right) engine.

While escorting the casualty home reports came in of two people in difficulty on board an inflatable dinghy near Yellow Island, just north of Lough Ree Yacht Club. The two people were unharmed, but weren’t going to be able to make it ashore themselves. The lifeboat crew brought them safely ashore to Barrymore and gave them safety advice.

Conditions for the evening were dry with good visibility and a variable westerly breeze.

Earlier this week our volunteer crew came to the assistance of four people whose boat had gone aground between Carberry and Kid Island to the south of Lough Ree. The four people were uninjured and were brought to Coosan Point.

Speaking yesterday evening Lough Ree RNLI volunteer Helm, Tom Bradbury said: ‘We would like to commend the gentleman whose engine started to smoke on his quick actions in requesting assistance.

We would like to remind people that it is important to always wear your life jacket when using the lake and to let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to reach your destination.’

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Sarah Bradbury, Lough Ree RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 087 121 0658 or [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 0876483547 or [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 0871254124 or [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

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.