Lough Derg RNLI launched to assist a family of 4 and 2 dogs on a 12ft speedboat
On Tuesday evening, 24 August, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to launch to assist a family of four and their two dogs on a 12ft speedboat adrift in open water south of Garrykennedy, following engine failure.
At 7.05pm the lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm crew Owen Cavanagh, crew Steve Smyth, Chris Parker and Tom Hayes on board. The lake was calm. Visibility was good.
The lifeboat arrived on scene at 7.15pm. The family of four and their two dogs were safe and unharmed. Given their proximity to Garrykennedy Harbour, the closest safe harbour, and the hour, the helm decided that the safest option was to set up an astern tow and take the vessel with her passengers and an RNLI volunteer on board, to Garrykennedy, where the boat was tied alongside at 7.45pm.
At 7.50pm lifeboat departed the scene and was back at Station at 8.05pm.
Jeremy Freeman, Deputy Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI, advises water users to ‘ensure your boat equipment and engine are in good working order and always carry a means of communication’.
Ends
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/
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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
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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 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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