Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat assists 4 adults and 2 children on a 30ft cruiser

The lifeboat launched with helm Eleanor Hooker, Ger Egan and Owen Cavanagh on board. Winds were southwesterly, Force 3 and visibility was good.

A motorboat with two people on board, had reported the vessel aground and had dropped anchor close by until the lifeboat arrived on scene. All six passengers were found to be safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets.

An RNLI volunteer was transferred across to the casualty vessel where he reassured everyone on board before he conducted checks of the vessel to ensure it was not holed. He set up a bridle in preparation for a tow, and the lifeboat took the boat off the rocks and out into safe water. Following another assessment, it was found that the cruiser had suffered damage to steering and rudder. The lifeboat took the cruiser with her passengers and an RNLI volunteer on board, on an astern tow to the public harbour at Dromineer. Before entering the harbour the lifeboat changed to an alongside tow.

Pat Garland, Deputy Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat Station, advises boat users to ‘enjoy the lake, but make sure you stay on the navigation route, well clear of the shoreline’.

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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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.