Lough Derg RNLI assists 2 people on 32ft cruiser with engine failure
Lough Derg RNLI assists 2 people on 32ft cruiser with engine failure
Lifeboats News Release
Earlier today, Sunday morning, 31 August, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to launch to assist 2 people on a motor cruiser with engine failure near Terryglass, the most northerly part of the lake.
At 11:35am Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Steve Smyth, crew Ciara Lynch, Joe O’Donoghue and Chris Parker on board. RNLI volunteers were informed that the skipper had dropped anchor when their engine had failed, but the anchor was dragging. The wind was southerly, Force 4 gusting F 5/7. Visibility was fair with frequent heavy squalls.
At 12:00midday, the lifeboat located the casualty vessel north of Terryglass Harbour. An RNLI volunteer transferred across to the casualty vessel, where they found both people on board safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets.
Given the location and the forecast for persistent heavy winds into the night, the RNLI helm made the decision to take the casualty vessel, with her 2 crew and an RNLI volunteer on board, on a astern tow to Terryglass Harbour. As the lifeboat approached Terryglass, the helm requested RNLI crew to change the tow to an alongside tow in order to best navigate the narrow channel.
At 12:44pm, once the casualty vessel was safely lied alongside in Terryglass Harbour, the lifeboat departed the scene and was back at Station at 13:14pm.
Steve Smyth, Volunteer Helm at Lough Derg RNLI said ‘the skipper of the casualty vessel took the correct action in dropping anchor and immediately calling for help. If you find yourself in difficulty, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard’.
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.
