Lough Derg RNLI volunteers assist a rower suffering from fatigue

At 1:55pm, Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat ‘Jean Spier’ launched with helm Owen Cavanagh, and crew Doireann Kennedy, Joe O’Donoghue and Chris Parker on board. The wind was southeasterly, Force 4. Visibility was good, decreasing to moderate with rain and mist.

At 2:10pm lifeboat volunteers arrived on scene. The casualty had remained in his canoe and sought shelter close to the shore at Parker’s Point. Due to known hazards at the location, the helm asked the crew to prepare to anchor and veer down to rescue the casualty and take him to safety.

Once the casualty was safely onboard the lifeboat, RNLI volunteers brought in the canoe. The casualty was taken to Garrykennedy Harbour, where he was later met by friends. He did not require medical assistance.

Commenting on the callout, Aoife Kennedy, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI said: ‘the casualty made the correct decision to request immediate assistance when he realised he needed help.

Remember, the RNLI advises rowers to row in company, check local weather before setting out, carry a reliable means of communication like a VHF radio or waterproof mobile phone, and know how to ‘Float to Live’ if capsized or immersed in cold or deep water.’

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/

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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.

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RNLI media contacts       

For more information please telephone Eleanor Hooker, Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 0877535207 [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 0876483547 [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 0871254124 or [email protected]

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.