Lough Derg RNLI assist a family of five on a 25ft cruiser with engine failure
At 6.47pm today, June 30, Lough Derg RNLI launched following a request by Valentia Coast Guard to assist a family of five on a 25ft cruiser with engine failure in Youghal Bay off Garrykennedy on the eastern shore of Lough Derg.
Winds were northerly, Force 1/2. Visibility was very good.
The Lifeboat, with helm Eleanor Hooker, Dom Sharkey and Joe O’Donoghue on board, arrived on scene at 6.51pm.
The lifeboat found everyone on board, two adults and three children, to be safe and unharmed wearing their lifekackets. The skipper of the crusier had dropped anchor, to prevent drift. The cruiser had engine failure that required specialist attention and so the lifeboat volunteer prepared the casualty vessel for tow. He weighed anchor and the lifeboat took the cruiser under tow to Garrykennedy Harbour, where, at 7.13pm, it was safely tied alongside.
The lifeboat returned to station and was ready for service again at 7.33pm
Peter Kennedy, Deputy Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI, says the 'skipper did the correct thing to drop anchor and to call for help immediately, and especially with young children on board in this heat'.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.