Local businessman to sponsor new jet boat for Meath River Rescue

Less than a week after launching a fundraising appeal to buy a new jet boat, Meath River Rescue has been approached by a local businessman who has pledged to cover the full cost of the €62,000 boat, in recognition of their work for the community.

Eamon Waters of Sretaw Ltd is going to sponsor the new jet boat for the voluntary rescue organisation which was out daily on the River Boyne for 33 days during recent searches for two missing people.

Mr Waters is the founder of Beauparc which operated Panda Waste, and following the sale of Beauparc in 2021 set up investment company Sretaw Ltd.

A spokesperson for Mr Waters said: "Eamon is living in the area and always well aware of the great work Meath River Rescue do for the community. We think it's very important they have the best tools possible to maybe save lives and recover loved ones. we are honoured to be able to buy this boat."

News of the generous donation has been warmly welcomed by Meath River Rescue who had expected to be fundraising for months to cover the cost of the boat. Having the full amount donated now means they can collect the boat in the middle of January as soon as it is finished being built. It will help the rescue organisation reach people quicker and can operate in depths of just eight to nine inches of water.

Christopher Rennicks of Meath River Rescue said: "We are absolutely overwhelmed by Eamon's generosity and this is not the first time he has done this. Ten years ago, Eamon bought us another boat, out Panda Power boat which is still in use."

Since launching their idonate page, on Friday of last week, Meath River Rescue has received donations totalling over €14,000 from the businesses and people of Meath and the group has offered to return these donations. For those who wish to leave their donation, the money will be used to buy dive suits and also towards the cost of counselling for their members following the recent searches.

Christopher also told how every search they partake in costs an average of €10,000. Following their recent searches, two gear boxes needed to be replaced and an engine was damaged with repairs totally nearly €7,000.

"The new jet boat won't have as much maintenance. It will be able to go over weirs and it can run in eight to nine inches of water. It has a steel bottom so that means it doesn't need as much maintenance. It also has six built in search lights," he explained.

They will keep the other boat for use in seraches also and once they get the new boat they can have maintenance on it.

Christopher said 2025 had been the busiest year yet for Meath River Rescue which was involved in seven recoveries during the year as well as many other call outs. The most recent searches involved the search for Jordan Newman who went missing on 10th November and whose body was recovered from the Boyne 19 days later.

While that search was ongoing, 14-year-old Navan boy Benjamin Spot was reported missing on 19th November and the organisation was out daily for 24 days until his body was recovered. Between both searches they spent 33 days trawling the river in difficult conditions.