Despite a quiet start to the year on Midland waters, because of pandemic related issues, Lough Ree RNLI volunteer crews responded to a call for assistance over the weekend (Saturday, July 9 ) which brought the total ‘call-outs’ for the year to 20.
The charity’s volunteer crew was requested by the Irish Coast Guard to assist a boat with three people on board which was in difficulty near Beam Island on Lough Ree.
Launched just after 8pm the charity’s lifeboat ‘Tara Scougall’ under helm Stan Bradbury and volunteer crew Liam Sheringham and Paul Kelly reached the stricken vessel in under ten minutes. On reaching the scene, the Lough Ree RNLI crew found a 28ft sailing boat run aground on rocks at Beam Island. All three people on board were found to be well and after an initial inspection to the boat was towed into safe waters and continued under its own power.
So far this year Lough Ree RNLI has assisted more than 50 people on Lough Ree and the River Shannon. As it celebrates its 10th birthday to the charity has responded to almost 600 calls and assisted upwards of 1,300 people thoughout the decade.
“As we move into the busiest part of the holiday season it is important that everybody who uses the lake is well prepared, has informed family and friends of their itinerary and follow the navigation guidance on the lake. As always the charity’s volunteer crew will be on standby to respond whenever necessary,” Lough Ree RNLI Operations Manger, Kevin Ganly, stated.
