Six people and a dog rescued by Lough Ree RNLI over weekend

Six people and a family pet were rescued by the Lough Ree RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew in two separate incidents over the weekend.

The call-outs occurred on Saturday and Sunday evening at Gailey Bay and Nun's Island.

At 6pm on Saturday, the Lough Ree RNLI lifeboat crew, under helm Kieran Sloyan, responded to a call for assistance from a private cruiser, with two people on board, which had run aground in Gailey Bay near Portrunny.

On arrival at the scene, the grounded cruiser was inspected and then taken under tow to safe water.

Then, on Sunday, evening a call was received from a Rigid Inflatable Boat (rib), with four people and a family pet on board, after it experienced engine failure near Nun's Island.

Under helm Shane McCormack the Lough Ree RNLI lifeboat ‘Tara Scougall’ and volunteer crew launched just before 6pm.

On reaching the scene, everyone was found to be safe and the stricken vessel was taken under tow to a safe berthing in the Inner Lakes.

As the summer season begins, and ahead of the June Bank Holiday weekend, Lough Ree RNLI Volunteer Operations Manager Jude Kilmartin reiterated the importance of making proper preparations before heading out on the water.

"It is so important for all who are planning trips on the lake or river to examine their equipment, prepare thoroughly, have a contact ashore, and in the event of an emergency call 999 or 112 at the earliest opportunity," he said.

A new boathouse for Lough Ree RNLI is near completion at Coosan Point, Athlone. The charity welcomes public support for the Lough Ree RNLI Boathouse Appeal on its 'Go Fund Me' page here.