New Meath River Rescue jet-propelled boat blessed

The new jet boat donated to Meath River Rescue by local businessman Eamon Waters was blessed yesterday (Saturday 7th February) at a moving ceremony attended by several families whose loved ones have been recovered by the voluntary organisation.

Following two recent difficult searches in the run up to Christmas, Meath River Rescue launched an appeal to purchase a new jet boat and within days local businessman Eamon Waters of Sretaw Ltd had pledged to cover the full purchase cost of the €62,000 boat.

Christopher Rennicks of MRR said the boat would be a "huge asset" to the organisation and enable them to search in shallower waters and also go over weirs. They will keep their existing jet boat which they have had for ten years and was purchased second hand from Dublin Fire Brigade.

The new boat is a rib with a steel bottom and will require less maintenance and is kitted out with search lights for night time. They took delivery of it a week ago and it was blessed today at their boathouse by Fr Martin McErlean.

Last year was the busiest year on record for the organisation who assisted in the recovery of seven bodies in 2025. The most recent was the recovery of Andrew Robinson in Armagh whose body was recovered on 27th December after a 42 day search.

It followed two difficult searches before Christmas which began on 10th November with the search for Jordan Newman (28). Nine days later 14-year-old boy Benjamin Spot was reported missing and both searches were ongoing for a time. Jordan's body was recovered on 29th November body and searches continued for Benjamin until his body was recovered on 13th December.

Mr Waters who is sponsoring the new MRR boat, is the founder of Beauparc which operated Panda Waste. Following the sale of Beauparc in 202, he set up investment company Sretaw Ltd.

At the time he pledged the donation, 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."

More coverage and photos in this Tuesday's paper.