Lough Ree RNLI assists seven people onboard stranded cruiser
Lough Ree RNLI's volunteer lifeboat crew came to the assistance of seven people onboard a cruiser which ran aground on the lake this afternoon (Thursday 20 May).
Under volunteer helm Shane McCormack, the Lough Ree RNLI volunteer crew launched the inshore lifeboat just before 5.30pm to go to the aid of the stricken cruiser stranded north of Nun’s Island on Lough Ree. Launched in cloudy conditions and with poor visibility, the lifeboat reached the scene at 5.45pm.
On arrival at the scene, one of the volunteer crew boarded the cruiser and found all seven people onboard well. A tow line was attached and the Lough Ree RNLI volunteer lifeboat Tara Scougall, towed the vessel from its grounded position. Following an inspection, the lifeboat crew escorted the cruiser to safe water from where it continued south towards Athlone.
Jude Kilmartin, Lough Ree RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: ‘With the present unseasonal weather, all lake users should be aware of how quickly conditions change on the lake and keep up to date with weather forecasts over the coming weekend.’
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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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