Kilrush RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew launched three times over the August Bank Holiday weekend, assisting six people after three separate vessels suffered mechanical failure and were left adrift on the Shannon Estuary.
Volunteers were first requested to launch their inshore lifeboat by Valentia Coast Guard at 5.11pm on Friday (31 July), following a report that a 10m yacht with two people on board had suffered rigging and engine failure and was adrift on the Scattery Roads.
The lifeboat crew located the casualty vessel, confirmed that both people on board were safe and well and, having assessed the situation, established a tow line and brought the yacht safely to Kilrush Marina.
Just over two hours later, at 8.16pm, the pagers sounded again, this time to reports of an 8.5m motor cruiser with two people on board that had suffered engine failure and was adrift in the main shipping channel east of Glin, where it presented a risk to navigation.
The crew assessed the situation on scene and, with both people on board safe and well, took the vessel under tow to Labasheeda, where it was safely secured.
The third call of the weekend came at 9.07am on Sunday morning (2 August), when the lifeboat launched to a 7m sports angling vessel with two people on board that had suffered engine failure and was adrift in the outer shipping anchorage.
Once again, the crew assessed the situation, established a tow and brought the vessel and its crew safely to Kilrush Marina.
With people on board each of the casualty vessels, which were unable to make way and adrift in or close to waters used by commercial shipping traffic, where they presented a risk to navigation, and with no other suitable vessel available to assist, establishing a tow was determined to be the safest course of action in each case.
Speaking after the call-outs, Shawna Johnson, Kilrush RNLI lifeboat operations manager said: “It was a busy weekend for our volunteer crew, who dropped everything at a moment’s notice three times in three days, and we were glad to see all six people brought safely ashore.
“We are fortunate to have such a dedicated team of volunteers at Kilrush Lifeboat Station, and these call outs are a real credit to their training, teamwork and commitment to saving lives at sea.
“These call-outs are a timely reminder to check your boat and your equipment before every trip. Make sure your engine is serviced regularly, check your fuel and ensure your vessel, including its rigging, is well maintained.
“Check that your lifejackets are in good working order and that everyone on board is wearing one. A few simple checks before setting out can prevent a day on the water turning into an emergency.
“And if something does go wrong, do not hesitate to call for assistance. Conditions on the water can change quickly, and even in calm, settled weather like we had this weekend, a small problem can become serious very fast. The people we assisted did the right thing by calling for help early. If you get into difficulty, or see someone else in trouble, use VHF Channel 16 or dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”
