Search

06 Nov 2025

Leitrim Animal Welfare group issues warning following recent boat fires 

Animal Welfare Centre warns the public to keep a safe distance as cleanup efforts begin to protect wildlife

Leitrim Animal Welfare group issues warning following recent boat fires 

A swan swims in an oil slick after two boats in Carrick on Shannon Marina burned on Tuesday

On Tuesday evening, two boats caught fire in the Carrick-on-Shannon Marina, causing oil leakage that could endanger wildlife in the area.

There were no injuries in the fires, which took place in the Townspark Marina across from the Landmark Hotel, though the source of the blaze is still unknown.

READ MORE: Leitrim County Council hears of 18 year wait for land registration

The fire spread from one boat to another, with thick smoke rising before Carrick-on-Shannon and Leitrim Fire Service units responded and brought the situation under control. Gardaí, ambulance crews, and Waterways Ireland personnel also attended the scene.

The Animal Welfare Centre has warned the public to take care in the area to avoid endangering animals in the water, which has been contaminated with oil from the damaged vessels.

“Feeding the swans or approaching the area is enticing them toward the contaminated water, which could harm them,” the centre wrote in a post online.

READ MORE: Carrick's death lottery of 1798 — 17 hanged where Flynn's bar now stands

“Please help us by keeping a safe distance and allowing the birds to remain as far away from the marina site as possible until cleanup is complete.”

“Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as we work to protect our wildlife and support the recovery of the area. Thank you for your understanding.”

To continue reading this article,
please subscribe and support local journalism!


Subscribing will allow you access to all of our premium content and archived articles.

Subscribe

To continue reading this article for FREE,
please kindly register and/or log in.


Registration is absolutely 100% FREE and will help us personalise your experience on our sites. You can also sign up to our carefully curated newsletter(s) to keep up to date with your latest local news!

Register / Login

Buy the e-paper of the Donegal Democrat, Donegal People's Press, Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles.

Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm.