Killaloe Coast Guard unit respond to vessel in difficulty with two persons on board

Monday 6 October 2025

Killaloe Coast Guard unit were requested to assist a 19 foot lake boat that lost engine power and was stuck against the Eel Weir under Killaloe Bridge.

Photo Credit: Killaloe Coast Guard Unit

At 12:25 pm on Sunday 5 October, the Marine Coordination centre in Valentia received a call that a vessel with two persons on board needed assistance at the old bridge linking Ballina Co Tipperary and Killaloe Co Clare.

The Killaloe Coast Guard unit were tasked and launched from their nearby stations at Pier Head Killaloe, a shore team also responded by road to the incident.

Once on scene a risk assessment was carried out by the boat crew and the Coast Guard boat was positioned up wind of the bridge holding off against the strong flow, the crew then passed a tow line to the causality vessel and once the line was secure the vessel was successfully towed to safety.

At 1:20 pm the unit stood down and returned to base.

Remember if you see someone in difficulty or think they may be in difficulty immediately dial 112/999 and ask for the Irish Coast Guard it could save a life.