The Lough Ree RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew was tasked with assisting seven people on board three boats that ran aground on Sunday, September 15.
The return of good weather this past weekend saw additional activity on Lough Ree. It proved to be a busy day for the volunteer crew at Lough Ree RNLI, who responded to three callouts in seven hours.
Just after midday the lifeboat crew of Kieran Sloyan, Paul Kelly, Denis Begley and Patrick Walsh launched the charity’s lifeboat ‘Tara Scougall’ in response to a call for assistance to a cruiser with three people on board. On arrival at the scene at 12.40 pm near the Hexagon Shoal, the crew found a large cruiser stranded on the rocks. Following an inspection of the boat and confirming that all three people on board were safe and well, the cruiser was towed to open water, where it continued under its own power.
Later in the afternoon, the Irish Coast Guard tasked Lough Ree RNLI following reports of cries for help from a boat near Killinure Point. Under volunteer helm Liam Sheringham and with a crew of Billy Henshaw Jnr. and Amy O’Connor, the lifeboat launched just before 4.30 pm. Within a few minutes, the crew reached the vessel on rocks near Green Island with two people on board. Following a search of the area to confirm there were no further casualties the RNLI escorted the boat to the safety of the jetty at Coosan Point.
On Sunday evening volunteers were back at the Hexagon Shoal again responding to a call-out to a 30ft. cruiser with two people on board. The volunteer lifeboat crew of Liam Sheringham, Amy O’Connor and Kieran Sloyan arrived at the scene at 6.45pm. Following inspection, the vessel was towed to Portaneena Marina.
Reflecting on a busy day on the water Lough Ree RNLI Launch Authority Declan Moran said; ‘due to the reduced water levels on Lough Ree and the River Shannon boat users should be mindful that rocks and shoals previously hidden in high water can now pose a significant danger.’ He reminded boat users to’ follow navigation charts and to call the emergency services on 999 if in danger.’
