Lough Derg RNLI launched to assist nine people, after 40ft cruiser ran aground

The lifeboat, with helm Eleanor Hooker, Dom Sharkey and Owen Cavanagh on board, launched at 2pm. Winds were westerly, Force 1/2, visibility was good.

At 2.10pm the lifeboat located the 40ft. vessel by Ryan's Point, inside the Mountaineer navigation mark.

An RNLI volunteer boarded the vessel and reassured everyone, all safe and unharmed, and asked them to put on their lifejackets.  The RNLI crew member checked under the floorboards for any damage to the hull and found it intact. He put the ballast tanks on drain and carried out a visual survey of the rocks around the boat. 

Meanwhile the lifeboat carried our soundings to determine depths and dangers close to the location. The lifeboat attempted to take the vessel off the shelf from its stern and from the bow, but she was stuck fast. 

At 3.02pm the lifeboat crew informed the Coast Guard that they were taking all nine people and their RNLI crew member onto the lifeboat and transferring the casualties to Dromineer, where they would wait whilst, Lifeboat Operations Manager, Liam Maloney made arrangements for their boat to be re-floated.

On their return passage to Dromineer, the lifeboat had to advise another vessel that they would run aground if they held their course and did not round the Mountaineer Buoy.  That vessel changed course and came back out onto the navigation channel.

Liam Maloney, Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, advised all boat users to 'stay within the navigation channels on the lake, and to study your charts before setting out from port. 'This fine weather is to stay with us a while longer, remember to respect the water and think safety when in or around water.'


Ends

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Eleanor Hooker, Lough Derg RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0877535207, email [email protected] or contact Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Ireland on 0876483547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager Ireland on 0871254124 or 018900460 or email [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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