Multi-agency rescue at Ballina bridge

Just after noon on Wednesday, March 29, the alarm was raised when a vessel with two persons on board got into difficulty at Ballina Quay.

The vessel lost control in strong currents and ended up stuck under the first arch on the Ballina side of the bridge. It had been damaged in the impact but fortunately was not taking on water. A multi-agency response involved units from Killaloe Coast Guard, CE15 Killaloe Fire and Rescue Service, R115 from Shannon Airport and the National Ambulance Service from the Scariff station.

Killaloe Coast Guard set up a line from Ballina Quay and manoeuvred the rescue boat back onto the causality vessel. A crew member was transferred on board and removed the two occupants from the vessel. The Coast Guard boat then brought the two persons to Ballina Quay and once everyone was safely ashore and no injuries were reported, the R115 and the NAS were stood down.

After an assessment of the vessel Killaloe Coast Guard attempted to tow the vessel but failed on the first attempt due to strong currents. Following discussion between the officers on scene, the Killaloe Fire and Rescue service set up a winch from the stern of the vessel back to Ballina Quay; the Coast Guard crew also set up a tow line from the stern of the vessel. The vessel was safely removed from the bridge after almost four hours of great teamwork between both crews and moored at Ballina Quay.

Well done to all involved.