Lough Ree RNLI volunteers respond to festive call out

Lough Ree RNLI volunteer crew was on the water over the festive period at the end of what was a safe but busy year. 

On Sunday last, there was a call to assist one person on board a cruiser which developed engine problems on the lake.

At 1.30pm on Sunday, December 28th, the Irish Coast Guard tasked Lough Ree RNLI to assist a lone boatman on board a cruiser which had called for assistance from St John’s Bay.

The Lough Ree RNLI lifeboat ‘Tara Scougall’ was on the water ten minutes later under helm Billy Henshaw Jnr and with a crew of Patrick Walsh, Emmet Deveraux and Stan Bradbury.

On arrival at the scene just before 2pm the crew found one person and his dog on board the 30ft cruiser. On examination of the boat it was found that an over heating engine was the problem.

The cruiser was taken under tow to Coosan Point where it was tied up safely before 3pm.

This was the 22nd call out for Lough Ree RNLI this year. Launch Authority Matt Harte said: "this rescue shows the real benefits of calling for assistance at the earliest opportunity as at this time of year limited daylight can provide more challenges for the rescue crew." 

The support of the local communities around Lough Ree at central to the provision of the service. As a charity, almost totally dependant on the generosity of the public the station begins the New Year with its annual table quiz.

The Lough Ree RNLI table quiz takes place in ‘The Bounty’ at Buccaneers RFC on Thursday 8 January at 8pm. The fee for a table of four is €40. The volunteer crew look forward to welcoming you on the evening.