Lough Derg RNLI launched to assist 2 people on a 28ft cruiser aground

On Thursday June 17, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to launch to assist two people on a 28ft cruiser aground inside the G navigation mark, north of Drominagh Point the northern eastern end of Lough Derg.

At 12.35pm the RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Eleanor Hooker, Ger Egan, Steve Smyth and Chris Parker on board. The winds were westerly, Force 3/4. Visibility was good.

At 12.50pm, the lifeboat arrived on scene and could see that the cruise hire company were also on scene and attempting to re-float the cruiser. The lifeboat informed Valentia Coast Guard of the situation and the decision to standby.

When it was evident the cruiser was fast on rocks, and the cruise hire company had arranged for a more powerful tow vessel to assist, the RNLI volunteers requested to take the two casualties off the stricken vessel and to Terryglass Harbour, where their boat would be taken once it was off the rocks. The lifeboat made Valentia Coast Guard aware of the plan.

At 1.38pm the lifeboat delivered the two casualties to Terryglass Harbour, where a boat owner invited them to their vessel for refreshments whilst they waited for their boat.

The lifeboat departed the scene and back at Station at 2.20pm

Brendan O’Brien, Deputy Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI advises boat users to ‘plan your passage, study your charts and don’t stray off the charted navigation routes’.

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/

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 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.