First ever launch from new Lough Ree RNLI lifeboat station
On Friday last (1 April), the volunteer crew at Lough Ree RNLI performed the first ever launch of the charity’s lifeboat Tara Scougall, from it’s newly commissioned lifeboat station at Coosan Point, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.
Under helm Stewart McMicken, the lifeboat crew re-orientated the stricken vessel which continued under it’s own power.
Following the safe return of the lifeboat and volunteer crew from Lough Ree RNLI, station mechanic Bernie Larkin thanked all of the crew who responded on the day and said: ‘The first launch from the new station is an historic moment for Lough Ree RNLI, it was a textbook launch and recovery from the new facility.'
The new station, built on a site donated by the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland at a cost of €1.2m was commissioned by Lough Ree RNLI last month and will be officially opened at a special ceremony in June.
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Photo Detail
At the first lifeboat launch from new Lough Ree RNLI lifeboat station – foreground; Bernie Larkin, Kieran Sloyan and Matt Harte, in lifeboat, Liam Sheringham, Stewart McMickan & Emmet Devereux.
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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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