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Lough Derg RNLI assists lone skipper on 22ft yacht with engine failure

Lifeboats News Release

Earlier today, Monday 29 September, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to launch to assist a lone skipper on a 22ft yacht with engine failure and drifting towards shoals inside the Hagan Rock.

Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat 'Jean Spier' heading out on a Shout, the view is from the starboard side with 4 crew on board

RNLI/Peter Hooker

Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat 'Jean Spier'
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At 1:56pm Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Eleanor Hooker, navigator James Corballis, crew Owen Cavanagh and Joe O’Donoghue on board. The wind was southerly, Force 3 to 4. Visibility was very good.

Valentia Coast Guard informed RNLI volunteers that the skipper had dropped anchor, but it was dragging. They were also given a description of the vessel, and to note that the mast was down for overwintering, and lying overhanging the bow and stern on the deck.

At 2:08pm the lifeboat could see the casualty vessel inside the Hagan, lying close to the rocky shore on the County Clare shoreline. Using local knowledge and the navigational tools on board, the navigator gave the helm a safe course to steer to the stricken vessel. Charts indicated that the casualty vessel was positioned with considerable hazards at its bow and stern. The lifeboat took a safe and slow approach with a volunteer taking soundings off the bow.

At the lifeboat approached the casualty vessel, it changed its aspect to the wind, permitting the lifeboat to safely come alongside. The skipper on board was concerned, but safe and unharmed and wearing a lifejacket.

Given the remote location, the known hazards at the scene and the possibility of initiating another rescue callout should the casualty vessel be left where it was, the helm made the decision to take the vessel under an astern tow and across the narrow stretch of lake to the safest safe haven at Kilgarvin Harbour, on the Tipperary shoreline. The lifeboat reported the plan to Valentia Coast Guard.

At 2:19pm, an RNLI volunteer transferred across to the yacht to prepare it to be taken under tow and lift the anchor when instructed.

At 2:46pm the casualty vessel was safely tied alongside at Kilgarvin Harbour. The lifeboat departed the scene and was back at Station at 3:10pm.

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
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.

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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