RNLI and Coast Guard rescue 40 people from stranded boat in Galway lake

Lough Derg RNLI came to rescue of 40 people on Saturday, after their boat became stranded on the lake in Co Galway.
RNLI and Coast Guard rescue 40 people from stranded boat in Galway lake

James Cox

Lough Derg RNLI came to rescue of 40 people on Saturday, after their boat became stranded on the lake in Co Galway.

With the help of Killaloe Coast Guard, the volunteer lifeboat crew came to the assistance of the 40-foot vessel, which ran aground on rocks close to Bonaveen Point near Portumna yesterday afternoon.

No injuries were reported though, and all 40 passengers - and the boat - were safely brought to shore.

On arrival at the scene, RNLI volunteers found that the vessel had run aground on a rock shoal. The lifeboat crew checked that everyone on board was safe and carried out an assessment of the scene before deciding on what action to take.

It was decided that an effort would be made to tow the vessel of the rocks. However, before this could be attempted, a number of passengers had to be transferred to the Coast Guard boat to take some weight off the stranded vessel.

Six people in all were safely taken on board the Coast Guard rescue boat and brought ashore. The six were then transported by Coast Guard land teams to Terryglass where they were collected and brought to Portumna by road.

The operation was coordinated by watch officers at the Irish Coast Guard’s marine rescue sub centre on Valentia Island in Co Kerry.

More in this section

People with incurable skin disease lack support, report finds People with incurable skin disease lack support, report finds
What the papers say: Wednesday's front pages What the papers say: Wednesday's front pages
Irish presidential election Humphreys and Connolly make pitch to voters in final presidential TV debate

Sponsored Content

Every stone tells a story Every stone tells a story
Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise
Stay Radisson: Stay Sligo, Limerick, Athlone and Cork Stay Radisson: Stay Sligo, Limerick, Athlone and Cork
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more