
Lough Derg RNLI launched to search for 2 people reported overdue
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, 20 June, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI to launch to search for and assist 2 people reported to have set out from Portumna for Mountshannon 7 hours earlier, but who had not arrived at their destination.
At 01.39am Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Eleanor Hooker and crew Doireann Kennedy, Chris Parker and Ciara Lynch on board. Winds were south-westerly, F2. It was a moonless, starless night. Volunteers used local knowledge and all their electronic equipment on board to navigate the dark.
At the lifeboat was launching, Valentia Coast Guard requested the RNLI volunteers begin their search at Mountshannon, at the southwestern end of the lake, and to take a route north towards Portumna.
At 01.48am, at the same time as the RNLI volunteer monitoring RADAR detected an object in the water, one of the volunteers on watch pointed to a fleeting white outline in the dark. The crew used their search light and determined that it was the casualty vessel. The vessel was adrift in open water near to Garrykennedy
When the lifeboat came alongside, volunteers found that both casualties were safe and unharmed. They were requested to put on their lifejackets.
The helm decided to take the casualty vessel on an alongside tow to Garrykennedy Harbour, the closest safe harbour. An RNLI volunteer transferred across to the casualty vessel and set up for the tow and then returned to the lifeboat. The skipper was requested to lift their outboard engine to reduce drag.
The RNLI volunteer navigating gave the helm coordinates for a safe route to Garrykennedy and as the lifeboat approached the mouth of the harbour, a volunteer used the search light at the bow as an additional aid.
At 02.25am the vessel was safely tied alongside at Garrykennedy. Lifeboat crew made contact with a friend of the casualties and arranged for them to be collected.
The lifeboat departed the scene at 02.35am and was back at station at 02.48am. The lifeboat was washed down and refuelled at 03.10am.
Peter Kennedy, Deputy Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI advises boat uses to ‘ensure you have sufficient fuel for your journey and always carry a means of communication. Plan your route to arrive at your destination before nightfall. Should you need assistance, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard'.
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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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 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, 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.