Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat assists 6 people on a 25ft cruiser with engine failure

The boat was reported to be near Coolbawn, at the northeastern shore of Lough Derg.

The lifeboat, with helm Peter Clarke, Owen Cavanagh and Kevin Dooley on board, responded immediately. Winds were southwesterly, Force 5. Visibility was fair with frequent heavy squalls. They located the vessel at 11.50am.

All six passengers were found to be safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets. The motor boat had fouled its propellers whilst wake-boarding, and then suffered engine failure. The skipper dropped anchor to prevent being pushed onto rocks.

An RNLI volunteer was transferred across to the casualty vessel, where he cut away the lines caught around the propellers of both engines. He set up a bridle in preparation for a tow, and after he weighed anchor, the lifeboat took the boat and her passengers under tow to Coolbawn Quay.

The lifeboat departed the scene at 12.53pm, and was ready for service again at 1.45pm

Liam Maloney, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat Station, advises boat users to ‘enjoy the lake, but make sure all your ropes are clear of your engine and carefully stowed when not in use.’

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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