Lough Derg RNLI assists lone skipper on 27ft motor cruiser with engine failure

At 11:00am Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Eleanor Hooker, navigator James Corballis, and crew Joe O’Donoghue on board. The wind was south-westerly, Force 4 gusting F5. Visibility was good, though it became moderate to poor with rain and frequent heavy squalls

At 11:10am, having established that there was clear water port side and stern of the casualty vessel, the lifeboat came alongside to speak to the skipper, who was safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejacket. An RNLI volunteer transferred across to the casualty vessel.

Given the remote location, the known hazards at the scene, the helm made the decision to take the vessel under an astern tow to the safety of Dromineer Harbour, where RNLI shore crew and a team of marine engineers were waiting to assist. The lifeboat reported the plan to Valentia Coast Guard. At 11:24am, after setting up lines and weighing anchor, the lifeboat had the casualty vessel under an astern tow.

As the lifeboat approached Dromineer Harbour, the helm asked for the tow line to be shortened. To counter the effect of the wind before the vessels entered the harbour, the lifeboat helmed high and close to weather, instructing the casualty vessel to keep its rudder centred and steer astern of the lifeboat.

At 11:59pm, the casualty vessel was safely tied alongside. The lifeboat departed the scene and was back at Station at 12:09pm.

Commenting on the callout, Christine O’Malley, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Lough Derg RNLI said: ‘Thankfully the skipper was wearing their lifejacket, had dropped anchor and called for help as soon as they encountered difficulties. We would remind anyone planning a trip on the lake that if you get into difficulty or see somebody else in trouble on the water, dial 999 or 112 or use VHF radio CH 16 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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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 is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, 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.