Lifebelts removed and tampered with along River Foyle

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Thursday, 7 December 2017 08:08

By Grainne Connolly @grainne555

by Gráinne Connolly

Foyle Search and Rescue (FSR) have issued an appeal for people not to use life saving equipment unless its necessary, after two lifebelts were located along the River Foyle that had been tampered with.

This necessitated volunteers from the charity being activated and having to re-establish both Lifesaving devices to ensure they could be used by members of the public when required.

A spokesperson for FSR said:

"Lifebelts to date have been used on 39 occasions, the 2 most recent during November where members of the public activated them to offer assistance to persons who were then successfully rescued.

"Foyle Search and Rescue Charity would appeal to the public, if anyone observes these lifesaving devices being tampered with please notify the PSNI asap.

"Extensive plans regarding additional new lifebelts being placed along the River Foyle for the publics safety are well advanced.

"Members of the public have also conducted fundraising to purchase extra lifebuoys for placement along the Banks of the River."