Volunteers from Lough Ree RNLI were called to assist two people on September 30 after their motor cruiser ran aground on a shoal near Green Island on Lough Ree.
The crew was requested to launch the inshore lifeboat, The Eric Rowse, at 12.30pm following a report that the 42-foot cruiser was aground west of Killinure Point. The lifeboat launched within minutes and made its way to the scene where the crew assessed the situation. No one was in any immediate danger and there was no damage to the boat. The lifeboat crew set up a towline and moved the vessel into safe waters.
Under the cruiser’s own power, the couple then proceeded towards Athlone. Weather conditions at the time were described as bright with a force two, south easterly gentle breeze and calm waters. Speaking following the rescue, Tom Bradbury, Lough Ree RNLI helm, said: “There are a lot of shallow areas and rocky shoals on Lough Ree which can catch even the most experienced of sailors out.
“We would always encourage people taking to the lake to locate the next navigation marker every time you pass one as good practice, and if you get into difficulty to request help as this couple sensibly did on this occasion.”
