New rescue craft for great western lakes

The death of a young jet-skier in Co Mayo earlier this year has prompted the purchase of a new craft for voluntary rescue on the great western lakes.

The Halmatic rigid inflatable boat, which was launched for the Corrib-Mask rescue service over the bank holiday weekend, is the first of its kind to be used in this type of service in the State.

Fundraising for the €40,000 boat was initiated after a local man, Patrick O'Hare (22), died in a jet-ski accident on Lough Mask last May. "We were out searching for him for most of the night and conditions were very, very rough," said Tim Clesham, area director of the Irish Red Cross rescue units.

The inflatable boat, with a 150 horse power turbo-charged engine, can be used in shallow waters and was built for rescue in the North Sea. It is the fourth rescue boat to be acquired by the Irish Red Cross-funded rescue service on the great western lakes.

"Until zebra mussel was confirmed, we could move boats between Corrib and Mask, but now we can't do that any more," Mr Clesham added.

The Corrib-Mask rescue unit is also equipped with its own ambulance and a lifeboat house was built with local labour and donated materials. The unit has been undertaking search and rescue since 2004 and is a declared resource for the Irish Coast Guard.

Fifteen new volunteers have joined recently and have trained in first aid, manual handling and basic boat-handling skills courses. These volunteers would also undertake advanced boat handling, rescue, navigation and radio courses to meet Irish Coast Guard training standards, Mr Clesham said.