Lough Derg RNLI launched to assist 2 people on a 16ft speed boat
Lough Derg RNLI launched to assist 2 people on a 16ft speed boat
Lifeboats News Release
Earlier today, Monday 17 June, following an alert to them by the Gardaí, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to launch to assist 2 people on a 16ft speed boat that ran aground in Youghal Bay after suffering engine failure.
RNLI/Eleanor Hooker
Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat 'Jean Spier' 17 June 2024
At 1.31pm Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Eleanor Hooker, crew Chris Parker, James Corballis and Deirdre Gleeson on board. The wind was westerly, Force 2 to 3. Visibility was good.
The lifeboat located the casualty vessel close to the shore deep inside Youghal Bay, in an area known by the RNLI volunteers to be particularly sandy. As the lifeboat navigated a safe course to the boat, crew noticed that the two casualties were standing amongst the reeds close to the vessel.
After getting as close to the casualty vessel as was safe, an RNLI volunteer, carrying a handheld VHF radio and a general purpose line, was able to wade to the casualty vessel. The two people were asked to get back on board and the RNLI volunteer then eased the vessel off the sandbank and out into safe water.
Given the isolated location and that the casualties' change of dry clothes, car and trailer were located at the closest safe haven, Garrykennedy Harbour, the helm made the decision to take the vessel under an astern tow to Garrykennedy. An RNLI volunteer remained on board the casualty vessel. The lifeboat informed Valentia Coast Guard of this decision.
The casualty vessel was safely tied alongside in Garrykennedy Harbour at 2.15pm. The lifeboat departed the scene and was back at station at 2.37pm.
Jeremy Freeman, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI, advises boat users to wear your lifejackets, and always carry a 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]
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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.
