Lough Ree RNLI lifeboat crew received their first callout of 2015 last Saturday, April18 after a 37 foot hire cruiser ran aground on Wood Shoal, near Lecarrow.
The cruiser, which went astray of the navigation channel in mild conditions and failing light, contacted the Coast Guard, who then requested Lough Ree RNLI to launch at 9.22pm. The Eric Rowse lifeboat was launched at 9.28pm and reached the grounded vessel at 9.48pm. After checking that the seven crew on board were safe and well, the boat was checked for hull damage and then towed off the rocks.
The vessel was not holed. However the rudder was damaged, making steering impossible. The lifeboat crew then towed the cruiser to safe moorings in Lecarrow, before returning to the station.
Show your support for the RNLI and Lough Ree’s lifeboat this Mayday.
From May 1-4 collections and fundraising events will be taking place across the region and events will have a welly theme, in a nod to the yellow wellies worn by the RNLI’s volunteer crew members. The charity is encouraging people to show their support by donating, buying, and wearing a yellow welly pin badge or by using the hashtag #YellowWelly on social media. You can also text RNLIMAYDAY to 50300 to donate €4.
Last year Lough Ree RNLI was the busiest lifeboat station in Ireland launching 69 times and bringing 142 people to safety.
Supporting Mayday, Sarah Groarke, Lough Ree RNLI volunteer lifeboat press officer said: “We are delighted to be involved with the RNLI’s Mayday campaign. We in Lough Ree are among 1,500 volunteers in Ireland who rely on the generosity of the public to help our lifeboat station to save lives on the water. From crew kit to training and fuel for our lifeboats, every cent raised this Mayday will help us to continue to rescue people every day.”
Volunteers will be bag packing in Dunnes Stores Athlone all day on Saturday April 25 in support of the RNLI’s Mayday campaign.
