Lough Derg RNLI launched to assist 7 people on a 20ft cruiser with engine failure
Lough Derg RNLI launched to assist 7 people on a 20ft cruiser with engine failure
Lifeboats News Release
On Thursday evening, 11 July, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to launch to assist 7 people (2 adults and 5 children) on a 20ft cruiser that had suffered engine failure and drifting towards rocks, west of Garrykennedy Harbour.
RNLI/Eleanor Hooker
Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat 'Jean Spier' 11 July 2024
At 4.45pm Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Eleanor Hooker, crew Owen Cavanagh and Joe O’Donoghue on board. The wind was a north-westerly, Force 4. Visibility was good.
As the lifeboat was launching, other boats in the vicinity hailed Valentia Coast Guard to say they were also making way to assist. The area in which the casualty vessel was located is known locally for its choppy waters and sudden shallows
As the lifeboat approached the location, Valentia Coast Guard informed the lifeboat that a small speedboat had taken the casualty vessel under tow to safe water. The lifeboat was requested to continue to attend and arrived on scene at 4.55pm. There were 2 motor cruisers standing by, and the small speed boat, having heard the call for help, had left Garrykennedy Harbour bringing a 5L can of fuel. Once in safe water the casualty vessel refuelled and was able to make way under its own power. Everyone on the casualty vessel was safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets. At the request of Valentia Coast Guard, the lifeboat accompanied the casualty vessel to the safety of Garrykennedy Harbour.
The lifeboat departed the scene and was back at station at 5.30pm.
Mary Hurley, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI, advises boat users to ‘make sure you plan your route before setting out. Always carry sufficient fuel for your journey and carry a reliable means of communication’.
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.
