35 saved from freezing lake

A tragedy was narrowly averted last night when 35 people were rescued from Lough Derg after boat crews taking part in an international rowing event got into difficulty.

A massive search and rescue operation was launched just after 5.30pm when a member of the public reported several rowing boats in difficulty to the Marine Rescue Coordination Centre.

About 18 vessels, each with five people on board, were taking part in the international rowing event, racing from Dromineer in Co Tipperary to Killaloe in Co Clare.

However, it is understood that only 14 boats departed at the beginning of the race at lunchtime.

It is believed that none of the rowers was wearing a lifejacket, as it is not possible to row this type of boat while wearing one.

Sixteen people were subsequently treated for hypothermia.

Those on board were part of a tour group and are understood to be from countries that included Norway, Germany, and Britain. All are thought to be middle-aged or elderly.

Weather on the lake was poor at the time, with force six winds and a 2ft swell reported.

At one point, there was considerable confusion about how many people may have been missing and one vessel, carrying five people, was briefly unaccounted for.

However, the coastguard later confirmed that all vessels and competitors were safe.

The large rescue operation involved the Shannon Coast Guard helicopter, Lough Derg and Killaloe lifeboats, Limerick Search and Rescue, and the Civil Defence.

A number of local craft and ribs are also believed to have assisted in the rescue operation.

Gardaí and the ambulance service were alerted, while units of the fire service from Killaloe and Scarriff were also mobilised to assist the ambulance service.

Four ambulances, three rapid response advanced paramedic units, and a consultant from the Mid- Western Regional Hospital in Limerick attended the incident.

At around 7.30pm, the Killaloe Coast Guard rescue boat brought eight people ashore at the University of Limerick Activity Centre, located at Twomilegate, near Killaloe.

More than 20 people were taken ashore at Twomilegate, where they were all assessed and treated by paramedics.

Those who had been treated by paramedics were allowed to return to their bus once it was confirmed they required no further attention.

Many could been seen walking along the road in their bare feet, and wrapped in blankets and foil sheets.

The Shannon-based search and rescue helicopter carried out sweeps of the lake and located a total of six rowing boats at various locations, including on the lake shore.

Shoreline searches were also carried out.

The Civil Defence from North Tipperary was also requested to assist. Searches were carried out on both sides of the lake, from Killaloe to Mountshannon on the Clare side and from Dromineer to Ballina on the Tipperary shore.

At about 9.15pm, the helicopter located another boat washed ashore.