Written 22 hours ago by Newsroom

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Athlone Sub Aqua Club is urging boat users to raise the alarm at the first sign of trouble.

Three people were rescued yesterday afternoon on the Shannon after being stuck on board a 14 foot vessel for over 20 hours when it broke down and drifted north of Portumna Bridge.

They had been stranded since Saturday evening but decided to wait it out until the next morning in the hope of repairing the boat themselves which they failed to do.

Athlone Sub Aqua’s ‘Early Riser’ rib was sent to the scene and towed them back to Portumna Harbour.

Commenting after the rescue, Athlone Sub Aqua Club chairperson Eric Nugent said:

“At the first sign of trouble on the water boat users should not delay in calling the emergency services.

“It is also a good idea to have an alternative means of propulsion such as a small outboard, or a set of oars at the very least.

“But most importantly of all is that anyone taking to the water should always be wearing a suitable life-jacket”.