Coast Guard called in to help with Lough Ree rescue
An Irish Coast Guard helicopter was involved in the rescue of a man who got into difficulty while boating in the Hodson Bay area last Thursday night (July 7).
In addition to the Coastguard, the Lough Ree RNLI lifeboat and Athlone Sub Aqua Club assisted in the rescue effort, along with the Gardai.
An Athlone Garda representative said the Coast Guard helped to locate a boat, and the RNLI helped to find the person.
"About 10pm we got worried about a person on the water. The RNLI mobilised very quickly and a man was safely rescued and received medical attention," said the Garda representative.
Meanwhile, a separate call for assistance last weekend brought the total number of call-outs for Lough Ree RNLI volunteer crews this year up to 20.
On Saturday, July 9, Lough Ree RNLI was requested by the Irish Coast Guard to assist a boat with three people on board which was in difficulty near Beam Island.
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 28-foot sailing boat that had 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 tenth birthday, 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 follows the navigation guidance on the lake," the Lough Ree RNLI Operations Manger, Kevin Ganly.
"As always the charity’s volunteer crew will be on standby to respond whenever necessary."