Red Cross launches lifeboat

For the first-ever Irish Red Cross water search and rescue team will launch its new boat this weekend, to serve people using Lough Corrib and Lough Mask. And the Red Cross team are already fundraising to provide a second boat in 2005.

Costing just under Euro50,000, the new boat will be available through the Gardaí for call-out on a 24 hour, seven day a week basis. Fitted with satellite navigation and searchlight equipment, as well as VHF radio, the boat will be able to rescue up to ten people at any one time.

Team leader, Tim Clesham of the newly-formed Connemara Red Cross Area, says the boat, which was funded jointly by the Irish Red Cross and Leader programme, is uniquely suitable to meet the demands of growing recreational activity on Lough Corrib and Lough Mask.

"It's very good in rough weather. It can go out in the type of weather conditions that other boats wouldn't be able to," said Mr Clesham.

Congratulating the team on their initiative, the Chairman of the Irish Red Cross, David Andrews said it was critical to develop water safety to prevent tragedies.

"Accidental and other drownings as well as exposure are very real dangers. I believe that our new service will be vital in saving lives in the future," Mr Andrews said, adding that he wished Connemara Red Cross every success with their venture.

Irish Water Safety Chief Executive, Lt Cmdr John Leech praised the Red Cross for helping to reduce deaths by drowning. "Irish Water Safety welcomes this initiative as it will undoubtedly help to reduce the average number of 180 deaths by drowning each year," said Lt Cmdr Leech.

The new boat will be launched by the Minister for Community, Gaeltacht and Rural Affairs, Éamonn O'Cuiv TD at a ceremony to mark the occasion in Cornamona village. An ecumenical blessing by Fr Billy O'Reilly and Rev Alisdair Grimmeson will take place.

Date and Time: Sunday 6 June 2004 at 4pm.
Venue: Cornamona pier, (just outside Cornamona village), Co. Galway.
(In the event of inclement weather the ceremony will take place on the river outside Mac?s bar in the village of Cornamona).
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