Cruiser goes on fire in Banagher

Four people escaped injury last weekend when a fire broke out on a cruiser on the river Shannon.

The alarm was raised last Saturday around 5pm when the White Lady cruiser, which was close to Banagher Harbour at the time, made contact with the Irish Coast Guard using the VHF radio.

It is understood a fire had broken out in the boat’s engine exhaust system.

The Irish Coast Guard’s watch officers based in the Valentia Island substation continued radio contact with the four on board while emergency services were mobilised.

The boat’s captain was able to maintain power and made his way to the Offaly harbour.

Two units of the fire brigade, as well as the Shannon based search and rescue helicopter, and ambulance paramedics were dispatched to Banagher Harbour. The White Lady docked and was safely and swiftly evacuated while fire crews put out the blaze.

No one was injured in the incident.