Lough Ree RNLI Responds to Two Callouts in Less Than 24 Hours
Tuesday 13 October 2026
Lough Ree RNLI volunteers responded to two separate incidents in less than 24 hours, including a search for a suspected person in the water in Athlone town during the early hours of Sunday morning.
At 12.44am on Sunday, Lough Ree RNLI volunteers were tasked following reports of a suspected person in the water in Athlone town.
The volunteer crew was quickly mobilised and, despite challenging conditions on Lough Ree and the River Shannon, proceeded to Athlone to assist An Garda Síochána with a search of the area.
Following a search, Gardaí confirmed that no person was in the water and the incident was declared a false alarm with good intent.
The callout was the second for the Lough Ree RNLI volunteer crew in less than 24 hours. Earlier, the lifeboat crew had assisted in a search following reports involving an unoccupied boat which had run aground in the vicinity of Banty Bay, at the northern end of Lough Ree.
Both incidents highlight the unpredictable nature of lifeboat operations and the importance of having a trained, dedicated volunteer crew ready to respond at any time of the day or night.
Lough Ree RNLI volunteers provide a vital service to those who live, work and spend time on the lake and River Shannon, often responding at short notice and in challenging conditions.
The two callouts also serve as a reminder of the commitment shown by RNLI volunteers, who remain on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help those who may find themselves in difficulty on the water.
Lough Ree RNLI reminds everyone enjoying the waterways to take care, be aware of changing conditions and always make safety a priority.
