VANDALS WHO uprooted a lifebuoy from its concrete base on the banks of the Boyne river in Drogheda have been condemned by a rescue group that helps to prevent people drowning. Boyne Fishermen’s Rescue and Recovery Service appealed to those involved in such behaviour to stop tampering with life-saving equipment.
“This is a new low and would have needed a concerted effort by at least two men; it is over 20 kilos in weight,” said Kevin Wallace of the recovery service.
The lifebuoy housing was on a pole cemented into the river bank beside the Garda station – it is often the first place to which people run for help when someone is in danger of drowning in the river.
“This is a vital piece of life-saving equipment and before any rescue services arrive these are the main tools used,” said Wayne Hurley. Members of the Boyne rescue service have been involved in saving two people from the river so far this year.
One of those was rescued by off-duty soldier Emma Kells two weeks ago. “The first thing Emma did was go for a lifebuoy,” said Mr Hurley.
That rescue was closer to the mouth of the Boyne; the vandalised unit was lifted from the northern side of the river, beside the Bridge of Peace, and thrown into the river.
The rescue service retrieved it by removing the buoy from its housing, attaching a line to the casing and pole and dragging the unit from the river bed with a Jeep.
The Bridge of Peace is the main thoroughfare for traffic and pedestrians crossing the Boyne and is a location at which many people have fallen into the river.
The river is particularly dangerous at present. “There are spring tides at the moment; the river is very high,” said Mr Wallace.
The rescue service says it frequently retrieves buoys from the water that have been thrown in by the public.
“A few years ago, we took a lifebuoy that had been thrown into the river and put it back into its housing and by the time we had returned to base, a few minutes later, we had got a call out to say that the lifebuoy had been used and there was someone in the water,” said Mr Hurley.
The rescue service has been taken aback by the removal of the buoy and housing. “I would appeal to those involved in such behaviour to stop tampering with the life-saving equipment. Remember, you could be putting someone’s life at risk, maybe even your own,” said Mr Hurley.
The lifebuoy unit will be replaced by Drogheda Borough Council.