Volunteer lifeboat crew with Lough Ree RNLI were called out twice on consecutive days to assist grounded vessels in the Wood Shoal area.
Picture Credit: facebook.com/LoughReeRNLI
Thankfully there were no injuries to the twelve people onboard both vessels but the RNLI have advised boat users in the area to use caution and take advice on locations of submerged rocks.
The first callout for the lifeboat crew came after midday on Tuesday (29 March) to reports of a cruiser with six people on board grounded at Wood Shoal (Marker 6), near Lecarrow. When on scene a lifeboat crew member boarded the vessel and assessed it for damage. There was a strong vibration from the engine and it was suspected that there may be damage to the propeller. The lifeboat crew took the vessel under tow to Portrunney where it could be checked over for damage. The lifeboat was back on service shortly after 2pm with everyone safely ashore.
The second callout came the next day (Wednesday 30 March) at 3.35pm and was again to a grounded vessel at Wood Shoal (Marker 6), near Lecarrow. There were six people on board with no reports of injuries. On arriving on scene at 4.06pm the lifeboat crew again assessed if there was any damage to the cruiser. When it was confirmed that everything was working they helped the vessel free of the rocks and monitored its progress by travelling alongside it for a time. When they were satisfied that there was no further difficulty, they departed the scene and returned to the station.
Commenting on the callout, Lough Ree RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Damien Delaney said, ‘Our volunteer lifeboat crew had a busy 24 hours. We would urge everyone using Lough Ree to ensure they are familiar with the area and to take heed of any warnings for rocks. Grounded vessels are not unusual but with any callout there are a number of factors that should be considered such as weather and the right equipment. Make sure you have a suitable means of calling for help and that you have the proper clothing and a lifejacket. You never know when you will need to call for help.’