Lough Ree RNLI assists seven people on board stranded cruiser

The Lough Ree RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew came to the assistance of seven people on a cruiser which ran aground on the lake in miserable weather conditions this afternoon (Thursday).

Under volunteer helm Shane McCormack, the local RNLI crew launched just before 5.30pm to go to the aid of the stricken cruiser stranded north of Nun's Island on Lough Ree.

Launched in cloudy conditions and with poor visibility, the volunteer lifeboat crew reached the scene at 5.45pm.

On arrival at the scene, one of the volunteer crew boarded the cruiser and all seven people who were on board were well.

A tow line was attached, and the Lough Ree RNLI volunteer lifeboat ‘Tara Scougall’ towed the vessel from its grounded position.

Following an inspection, the lifeboat crew escorted the cruiser to safe water from where it continued south towards Athlone.

"With the present unseasonal weather, all lake users should be aware of how quickly conditions change on the lake and keep up to date with weather forecasts over the coming weekend," said Jude Kilmartin, Lough Ree RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager.