Lough Derg RNLI launched to assist 2 people on 20ft cruiser with engine failure
Lough Derg RNLI launched to assist 2 people on 20ft cruiser with engine failure
Lifeboats News Release
On Friday evening, 5 July, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to launch to assist 2 people on a 20ft cruiser that had suffered engine failure. The vessel was reported to be at anchor at south of Terryglass Bay on the eastern shore of the lake.
At 9.05pm Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Eleanor Hooker, crew Doireann Kennedy and Paraic Slattery on board. The wind was south-westerly, Force 4. Visibility was good en route to the casualty vessel, it was nightfall when the lifeboat returned to station.
At 9.24pm the lifeboat had the casualty vessel in sight. It was at anchor close to shore south of Gortmore Point on the eastern shore of the lake. Using local knowledge and onboard navigation tools, the lifeboat steered a safe course to the cruiser.
Once alongside, an RNLI volunteer transferred across to the casualty vessel. The two people on board were safe and unharmed and wearing lifejackets. The vessel’s anchor was off the starboard stern and holding firm.
Given the isolated location, progressive nightfall and the fact that the vessel was floating with but with engine failure, the helm made the decision to take the vessel under tow to the nearest safe haven at Terryglass Harbour.
At 9.46pm, with an RNLI volunteer and skipper remaining on board, the lifeboat took the vessel under an astern tow. At 10.25pm the casualty vessel was safely tied alongside at Terryglass Harbour.
The lifeboat departed the scene and was back at station at 11.10pm.
Christine O’Malley, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Lough Derg RNLI, advises boat users to ‘make sure your engine is serviced before you set out and if in difficulty dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard’.
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]
RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit
rnli.org. News releases and other media
resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the
RNLI News Centre
rnli.org/news-and-media.
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.
