Three callouts for Lough Ree RNLI lifeboat crew on Sunday
Lough Ree RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew was tasked on Sunday, September 15 to assist seven people on board three boats that ran aground.
The return of good weather this past weekend saw additional activity on Lough Ree and proved to be a busy a day for the volunteer crew, which responded to three callouts in seven hours.
Just after midday, the 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 12.40pm 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 crew of Billy Henshaw Jnr. and Amy O’ Connor, the lifeboat launched at just before 4.30pm.
The crew reached the stricken vessel Inside a few minutes, which was stranded 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, RNLI volunteers were back at the Hexagon Shoal again responding to a call-out to a 30-foot 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 stricken 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”.