At 21.00hrs on Saturday 19 September, the Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat Vera Skilton brought two persons and their dog to safety after their vessel went aground on Sunk Island, just north of Illaunmore on Lough Derg. The lifeboat launched following a request from Valentia Coast Guard to go to the assistance of a cruiser aground.
The lifeboat with helm Eleanor Hooker, Owen Kavanagh and Lifeboat Medical Advisor Peter Hooker on board, launched on Saturday 19 September at 21.00hrs. It was a dark night with very poor visibility. The wind was north westerly Force 2 (4~6knots). The cruiser was taken off Sunk Island and with an RNLI crew member on board, a thorough check of the engine room and steering was carried out. One of the passengers was somewhat distressed by the experience of going aground and was reassured by the crew of the lifeboat. The cruiser, accompanied by the lifeboat, was taken to the public harbour at Dromineer, where it was met by shore crew of the Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Station. The lifeboat returned to station and was ready for service again at 23.00hrs.