Launch of Ireland’s first inland waterways rescue unit

IRELAND’S first inland waterways Coastguard unit was launched yesterday on Lough Derg at Killaloe.

The emergency services took the decision to set up the unit due to the level of traffic and risk on Lough Derg which has 17 public marinas, four ferry companies along with two water leisure activity centres and 3,500 cruisers for hire.

Killaloe-Ballina Search and Rescue was founded in May 2001 to provide search and rescue cover on Lough Derg and was run on a voluntary basis by the local community.

In 2006, the search and rescue unit operated two hard-hulled boats.

However, the Coastguard has now upgraded their fleet to a D class inflatable boat for use on local rivers and shallow lakes and a 7.5m rigid inflatable boat, with chart plotting, radio, self righting system and automated identification system.

The craft can reach speeds of 30 knots per hour, operate in all weather conditions and rescue up to nine people at a time.

To launch their new boats the team has also been given a jeep fitted with blue lights and sirens.

Irish Coastguard acting director Chris Reynolds said: “The unit has been trained in first aid and land search techniques and is in a position to respond on land as well as water.

“The unit has links with a countrywide network and with all other emergency services,” he said.