Lough Derg RNLI launched to assist 2 people on a 27ft cruiser in difficulty

At 2.18pm this afternoon, Thursday September 24, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to launch to assist 2 people on a 27ft cruiser suffering engine troubles in the rough weather conditions. The cruiser was reported to be one nautical mile north of Illaunmor.

At 2.35pm the lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Eleanor Hooker, crew Keith Brennan, Steve Smyth and Doireann Kennedy on board. The winds were northerly, Force 5, gusting Force 6. Visibility was good.

When the lifeboat arrived on scene, Valentia Coast Guard informed the lifeboat volunteers that the cruiser had made its way to the nearest safest harbour at Rossmore Quay, and that the lifeboat could stand down.

The lifeboat informed Valentia Coast Guard that, before returning to Station, they were going to check on a vessel making its way slowly up the lake. When the skipper of the cruiser gave a thumbs up, the lifeboat returned to station and was alongside at their dock at 2.56pm.

Brendan O’Brien, Deputy Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI advises boat users to ‘ensure your boat engine is serviced, and check weather reports for the inland lakes when passage planning’.

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 Eleanor_Hooker@RNLI.org.uk or Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 0876483547 Nuala_McAloon@rnli.org.uk or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 0871254124 or Niamh_Stephenson@rnli.org.uk

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For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media
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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 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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.