Busy Night for Killaloe Coast Guard with Two Late-Night Callouts

Monday 27 April 2026

Late on Sunday night, 26 April, volunteers from the Killaloe Coast Guard Unit responded to what turned out to be two back-to-back callouts.

Photo Credit: Killaloe Coast Guard Unit

The first tasking came at 10:55pm, when An Garda Síochána requested assistance in searching for a missing teenager in the Broadford area of County Clare. Coast Guard crews mobilised quickly, deploying 4x4 vehicles, an all-terrain vehicle, and a drone equipped with thermal imaging technology to aid in the search.

Search operations began immediately, and within a short period, a Coast Guard team successfully located the teenager safe and well. Crew members remained on scene to provide support until Gardaí arrived alongside a parent. With the situation resolved, the unit stood down and returned to base at approximately 12:10am.

However, the night’s work was far from over. Just 15 minutes later, at 12:25am, the unit was tasked again this time following reports of a dog stranded at the water’s edge after falling down a steep riverbank.

Responding swiftly, a boat crew launched from Pier Head and made their way south of the old Killaloe bridge. A shore team had already secured the area and illuminated the scene, enabling the rescue operation to proceed efficiently. A member of the boat crew successfully recovered the dog from the riverbank and brought it safely ashore, where it was reunited with its owner.

Following the second successful rescue, crews stood down and returned to base at 1:00am, marking the end of a demanding but rewarding night for the Killaloe Coast Guard Unit.

In case of emergency call 112/999 or use VHF Channel 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.