Multi-agency search and rescue exercise held on Lough Corrib
Monday 5 October 2026
A major multi-agency search and rescue training exercise was held on Lough Corrib on Saturday 3 October, bringing together Civil Defence teams from across the west and midlands, Coast Guard personnel, air support and local search and rescue volunteers.
The exercise, led by Galway Civil Defence, involved Civil Defence units from Clare, Limerick and Roscommon, Westport Coast Guard and Corrib Mask Search and Rescue (CMSAR).
CMSAR was tasked with providing local navigation advice and leading participating crews to the designated training area, covering waters between Lisloughrey, Inchagoill, Cleenillaun, Ardilaun and Scallop.
On arrival in the operational area, the search was divided into ten separate sectors, with crews assigned to carry out coordinated searches.
To add realism to the exercise, a training dummy and two small tenders had been placed at unknown locations within the search area earlier in the day. Crews were then tasked with locating and recovering the three targets using coordinated search techniques.
All three targets were successfully located and recovered in just over an hour.
The exercise also saw the participation of Rescue 115, the Irish Coast Guard helicopter based at Shannon, which was deployed to the area and provided an important air-support element to the operation.
The training exercise provided an excellent opportunity for the participating organisations to work together on the water and practise the skills required during a real emergency, including coordinated search techniques, communications and navigation.
Just as importantly, the exercise allowed crews from different organisations and counties to build on the working relationships that are vital when multiple agencies are required to respond to an incident.
Exercises such as this are an important part of maintaining operational readiness. By training together in realistic conditions, crews can develop a better understanding of each other's capabilities and procedures, helping to ensure that when the call comes in, everyone is ready to work effectively as one team.
A huge thank you goes to Galway Civil Defence for organising and leading the exercise, and to all of the participating crews and volunteers who gave their time to make the training day such a success.
A special word of thanks also goes to Cong Angling Club for their support and for the use of their facilities.
It was a valuable and highly successful day on Lough Corrib, highlighting once again the importance of cooperation between the many agencies and volunteers involved in search and rescue operations across the country.
