#RNLI – Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat was launched to investigate a possible missing person/s after a lakeboat was found adrift towards the northern end of the lake this afternoon. On the return journey, the lifeboat was diverted to Scarriff Bay to assist a person in difficulty on board a 32ft crusier in Scarriff Bay, at the southwestern end of the lake.
At 15.20hrs on Friday May 18, Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat was requested to launch by Valentia Coast Guard, to investigate a possible missing person/s following the discovery of a lakeboat adrift towards the northern end of the lake. (It is the Dapping Season and there are many fishermen and lakeboats afloat at present.) At 14.38hrs, the lifeboat was launched with Helm Eleanor Hooker, Peter Clarke and Gerry O'Neill onboard. Winds were Northerly, Force 2-3, visibility was good.
The lifeboat arrived on scene at 16.04hrs and was met by the fisherman who had discovered the boat adtrift. The crusier Stormy Monday, was near the area, and its skipper, very kindly, offered to remain on standby and assist if required. The found lakeboat had an engine attached, a full fuel tank and a spare tank of fuel on board, there was no fishing tackle or any signs of ownership. As the lifeboat was commencing a search of the area, they were informed by Valentia Coast Guard, that the owner had been located and that the boat had slipped its moorings. The lakeboat was driven by an RNLI volunteer to Portumna and returned to its owner.
17.15hrs On its homeward journey, Valentia Coast Guard diverted the RNLI lifeboat to Scarriff Bay, at the southwestern end of the lake, to assist a person in difficulty on board a 32ft cruiser. The wind had veered northeasterly and was blowing Force 4. Visibility was fair to good, with frequent squally showers. The lifeboat was alongside the crusier at 17.34hrs. There was an elderly person onboard and in some distress; his vessel had hit a rock and suffered considerable damage to its propeller. The person was reassured by the lifeboat crew. The boat wasn't holed and with an RNLI crew member onboard, was towed to its home marina up the Scarriff river. The boat was tied safely alongside at 18.18hrs. The person was met by friends, who were going to look after him for the evening.
The lifeboat returned to station and was ready for service again at 19.15hrs.
