Kilrush RNLI volunteers launch three times over busy weekend to assist six people on Shannon Estuary
- Pat Nolan
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
Monday 3 August 2026
Kilrush RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew launched three times over the weekend, bringing six people safely ashore after three separate vessels suffered mechanical failure and were left adrift on the Shannon Estuary.
The first call came at 5.11pm on Friday (31 July), when Valentia Coast Guard requested the launch of Kilrush RNLI’s inshore lifeboat following reports that a 10-metre yacht with two people on board had suffered rigging and engine failure and was adrift on the Scattery Roads.
The volunteer crew quickly located the casualty vessel, confirmed that both people on board were safe and well and, having carried out an assessment, established a tow line before bringing the yacht safely to Kilrush Marina.
Just over two hours later, at 8.16pm, the pagers sounded again. This time, the crew responded to reports of an 8.5-metre motor cruiser with two people on board that had suffered engine failure and was adrift in the main shipping channel east of Glin, where it posed a risk to navigation.
Following an assessment on scene, and with both people confirmed to be safe and well, the lifeboat crew established a tow and brought the vessel safely to Labasheeda, where it was securely berthed.
The third call of the weekend came at 9.07am on Sunday morning (2 August), when the volunteer crew launched to a 7-metre sports angling vessel with two people on board that had suffered engine failure and was adrift in the outer shipping anchorage.
Once again, the crew assessed the situation before establishing a tow and bringing the vessel and its occupants safely to Kilrush Marina.
On each occasion, the volunteer crew carefully assessed the circumstances before commencing a tow. With people on board vessels that were unable to make way and adrift in, or close to, waters used by commercial shipping traffic, and with no other suitable vessel available to provide assistance, towing the casualty vessels was determined to be the safest course of action in each case.
Speaking following the call outs, Shawna Johnson, Kilrush RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said:
"It was a busy weekend for our volunteer crew, who dropped everything at a moment's notice three times in three days, and we were glad to see all six people brought safely ashore. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated team of volunteers at Kilrush Lifeboat Station, and these call outs are a real credit to their training, teamwork and commitment to saving lives at sea."
"These call outs are a timely reminder to check your boat and your equipment before every trip. Make sure your engine is serviced regularly, check your fuel, and ensure your vessel, including its rigging, is well maintained. Check that your lifejackets are in good working order and that everyone on board is wearing one. A few simple checks before setting out can prevent a day on the water turning into an emergency."
"And if something does go wrong, do not hesitate to call for assistance. Conditions on the water can change quickly, and even in calm, settled weather like we had this weekend, a small problem can become serious very fast. The people we assisted did the right thing by calling for help early. If you get into difficulty, or see someone else in trouble, use VHF Channel 16 or dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard."