Lough Ree RNLI Comes to Aid of Stricken Fishing Boat
Friday 16 October 2026
Lough Ree RNLI volunteers were called into action at 3:01 pm this afternoon (Friday 16 October) after a fishing boat suffered engine problems while out on Lough Ree with one person on board.
The station’s lifeboat, TARA SCOUGALL, was tasked at 3:01 pm following a report that the aluminium fishing boat, with one person on board, was experiencing engine difficulties.
The volunteer crew responded immediately, launching from Coosan Point within 10 minutes of the call and proceeding to the reported location on the lake.
On reaching the scene, the crew located the casualty vessel drifting towards a rocky shoal near Fat Head Rock on the eastern shore of Lough Ree. With the boat moving towards shallow, rocky waters, there was a risk of the situation deteriorating if the vessel continued to drift.
The lifeboat crew quickly assessed the circumstances and took the necessary action to bring the incident to a safe conclusion. The skipper was safely transferred to Hudson Bay, with the crew ensuring that the immediate situation was brought under control.
The incident demonstrates how quickly a mechanical problem on the water can develop into a potentially dangerous situation. Engine failure can leave even an experienced boat user vulnerable, particularly when a vessel is drifting towards rocks or shallow water. A prompt response can be crucial in preventing an incident from escalating.
Lough Ree RNLI provides an essential service to boat users and the wider community, with its volunteer crew ready to respond to emergencies on the lake throughout the year. Crew members undertake regular training to maintain the skills and readiness required to respond when people find themselves in difficulty on the water.
Following the call-out, the lifeboat returned to the lifeboat station and was ready for service again at 4:10 pm, ensuring the crew and lifeboat were available should another emergency arise.
Lough Ree RNLI continues to encourage everyone using the lake to ensure their vessel is properly maintained, carry appropriate safety equipment and have a means of calling for help should difficulties arise.
