New RNLI lifeboat put into service on first day

Lough Ree RNLI’s new lifeboat was put into service on its very first day.
Arriving by low-loader on Tuesday morning last just after 10.40am, the Eric Rowse B772, which replaces the retiring Dorothy Mary B728 vessel on the lake waters, had to respond to a call-out just two hours after arrival.

Initiated by the coastguard, the lifeboat was sent to go to the assistance of a cruiser aground near marker no. 2. On arrival the volunteer crew discovered the two males and two females on board the cruiser with no injuries. The service eased the cruiser off the rocks and with no damage the party were able to proceed on her journey to Lecarrow.

Earlier that day, the new lifeboat took part in demonstrations for participants in the Shannon Boat Rally alongside the retiring vessel, The Dorothy Mary, in the lakeside marina. Commissioned in 1996, the Dorothy Mary has been used by the Lough Ree RNLI service since it was first launched over two years ago. It has now reached retirement age and was taken away from the station later that day.