Lough Derg RNLI assist 3 people on a 20ft motorboat with engine failure

At 9.19pm the lifeboat launched with helm Eleanor Hooker and crew Owen Cavanagh, Steve Smyth and Doireann Kennedy on board. Though nightfall, it was a clear night. The lifeboat volunteers used all onboard electronic navigation aids and local knowledge to navigate to the casualty's location. Winds were southwesterly, Force 2.

Valentia Coast Guard informed the lifeboat volunteers that they had requested the casualties to flash a light once they saw the lifeboat, which they did as the lifeboat approached Bellevue Point.

RNLI lifeboat crew took soundings as they approached the casualty vessel, which had drifted into reeds close to the shore, but was still in two metres depth. The lifeboat was alongside at 9.41pm.

The three people on board were found to be safe and unharmed. A lifeboat volunteer was transferred to the motorboat and set up for a tow.

The lifeboat towed the motorboat with her three passengers and an RNLI volunteer remaining on board, to Dromineer Harbour, where it was safely tied alongside at 10.22pm.

Peter Kennedy, Deputy Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI advises boat users to ‘make sure your engines are fully serviced, and that you have sufficient fuel for your journey. Always carry enough lifejackets for everyone on board and that they are worn’.

End

Notes to editors

• Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat station has been operating since 2004. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/lough-derg-lifeboat-station
• A photo of Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat can be viewed at: https://www.facebook.com/RNLILoughDerg/

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Eleanor Hooker, Lough Derg RNLI volunteer helm and Lifeboat Press Officer on 0877535207 or [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 0876483547 [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 0871254124 or [email protected]

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Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 46 lifeboat stations in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, the charity has saved over 142,700 lives.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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