Emergency operations launched after man seen entering River Shannon

Fireswift, The Limerick City Fire and Rescue boat

limerick_city_fire_and_rescue_new_boat_004_547wideTWO EMERGENCY operations were launched this Bank Holiday Monday evening after a male, believed to be in his 30s, was seen entering the River Shannon shortly before 6pm. Two hours later, a woman in distress was threatening to enter the water before she was stood down by emergency responders.

Earlier, three units of Limerick city fire and rescue, together with Gardai, emergency paramedics and Limerick Marine Search and rescue were alerted to the first incident near Howleys Quay.

A man was seen entering the water near the steps at the quays.

A recovery operation was launched as the man was fell into difficulty and became submerged underwater for more than 10 minutes and was taken down stream in the tidal flow before rescuers could get to him.

It is not understood yet how the man got into the water but after he was seen in difficulty the alarm was raised.

Members of the Limerick Marine Search and Rescue have dived at the area and shortly after 7pm they recovered the body of the male.

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Gardai are investigating.

The man’s body will be removed to the University Hospital Limerick for identification and post mortem examination.

A second river incident was reported shortly after 8pm this Monday evening when a woman in her 40s was threatening to enter the Abbey River near Baals Bridge.

Firefighters who were carrying out routine checks at their rescue boat Fire Swift were alerted to the woman in distress and immediately left Steamboat Quay and made contact with the woman.

Gardai and emergency responders including the Corbett Suicide Prevention Patrol were on hand to assist the woman who has since been taken to the University Hospital Limerick.

Helplines in times of need

Samaritans 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Console 1800 247 247 – (suicide prevention, self-harm, bereavement)
Aware 1890 303 302 (depression, anxiety)
Pieta House 01 601 0000 or email mary@pieta.ie – (suicide, self-harm)
Teen-Line Ireland 1800 833 634 (for ages 13 to 19)
Childline 1800 66 66 66 (for under 18s)

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