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Lough Derg RNLI assists a lone skipper on a 40ft vessel adrift in rough weather

Lifeboats News Release

Earlier this afternoon, Tuesday 1 April, following an alert from a person on shore, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to launch to a lone skipper on a 40ft vessel that had fouled its propellers in rough weather and was adrift.

At 4.06pm Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Eleanor Hooker, crew Joe O’Donoghue, James Corballis and Paraic Slattery on board. The wind was south-easterly, Force 4 gusting Force 6. Visibility was very good.


As the lifeboat was launching, volunteers were informed that a passing vessel had attempted to assist the casualty vessel, but their tow line had parted in the conditions. Shortly after rounding the Mountaineer navigation Mark C, Valentia Coast Guard informed the lifeboat that the skipper had managed to free their propellers and was under way and making way to Garrykennedy. They requested the lifeboat continue to assess and assist if necessary.


The casualty vessel had managed to take shelter outside the old harbour wall at Garrykennedy. RNLI volunteers assessed the situation and when it was evident that the steering on the casualty vessel was damaged, the skipper was advised to remain in harbour until repairs were made before continuing their passage.


With the casualty vessel safely tied alongside, the lifeboat departed the scene and was back at station at 4.45pm


Jeremy Freeman, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI, advises boat users ‘to ensure all lines are carefully stowed and if you find yourself in difficulty dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard’.


Ends
Notes to editors

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]


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.

RNLI/Eleanor Hooker

Lough Derg RNLI 1 April 2025
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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.

Learn more about the RNLI

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

About the author

Eleanor Hooker
Lifeboat Press Officer, Lough Derg Lifeboat Station

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