Volunteer lifeboat crews with Lough Ree RNLI were called out twice on consecutive days to assist grounded vessels in the Wood Shoal area.
The first callout came after midday on Tuesday, March 29, when a cruiser with six people onboard became grounded at Wood Shoal. At the scene a lifeboat crew member boarded the vessel and assessed it for damage. There was a strong vibration from the engine and it was suspected that there could be damage to the propeller. The lifeboat crew took the vessel under tow to Portrunney where it could be checked over for damage.
The second callout came the following day on Wednesday, March 30, at 3.35pm. The crew was once again directed to a grounded vessel at Wood Shoal. There were six people onboard with no reports of injuries. On arrival at the scene the lifeboat crew again assessed whether there was any damage to the cruiser. When it was confirmed that everything was working they helped the vessel free of the rocks and monitored its progress by travelling alongside it for a time. Satisfied that there was no further difficulty, they departed the scene and returned to the station. No injuries were suffered by the occupants of either of the two vessels.
Lough Ree RNLI Lifeboat operations manager, Damien Delaney, said: “Our volunteer lifeboat crew had a busy 24 hours. We would urge everyone using Lough Ree to ensure they are familiar with the area and to take heed of any warnings for rocks. Grounded vessels are not unusual but with any callout there are a number of factors that should be considered such as weather and the right equipment. Make sure you have a suitable means of calling for help and that you have the proper clothing and a lifejacket. You never know when you will need to call for help.”
