Rescue operation saves visiting boat
EMERGENCY SERVICES COMBINE TO PREVENT VESSEL SINKING IN BOYNE
A VISITING boat, in Drogheda for the Fleadh, almost ended up at the bottom of the Boyne.
The quick actions of the Drogheda Coast Guard unit, Drogheda Fire and Rescue service, Drogheda Gardai and the local harbour master managed to prevent the vessel sinking.
The boat was tied up along the North Quay wall and those on board headed into town.
However, when the tide began to go out, the angle of the boat became very severe.
‘ The owner of the vessel was in Drogheda for the Fleadh Cheoil festival, and had moored his boat after unfortunately being given bad advice on the location he had chosen,’ the Drogheda Coastguard confirmed. ‘Unfortunately the owner returned to find his boat had keeled over and in major danger of sinking.’
After a huge and very long effort from Drogheda Coast Guard unit, Drogheda Fire and Rescue service, Drogheda Gardai and the harbour master, they managed to patch and refloat the vessel.
‘While we love to see new vessels visiting our town, we would advise people who are not familiar with Drogheda port to contact the local harbour offices for information on moorings, port traffic and hazards,’ the Coastguard added.
The incident took place on Tuesday evening.