#RNLI - Lough Derg RNLI's lifeboat launched following two separate 999 calls from members of the public reporting that they had heard calls for help from the lake at Two Mile Gate on Friday afternoon (25 October).
Valentia Coast Guard requested the Lough Derg lifeboat to launch to search an area near Two Mile Gate, on the south-western shore of Lough Derg close to Killaloe, following two separate emergency calls reporting that that cries for help were heard, and with the possibility of two people in the water.
The lifeboat launched at 12.25pm with helm Eleanor Hooker, Tom Dunne and Jason Freeman on board. Winds were south-westerly, Force 2-3, with very good visibility.
Meanwhile, the Irish Coast Guard's Shannon-based search and rescue helicopter took off from its base, and Killaloe Coast Guard Rescue was also assisting.
Upon arrival on scene at 12.48pm, all three teams immediately carried sector searches of the area. RNLI volunteer Ben Ronayne was afloat in his RIB and also helped with the search. There were no reports of anyone missing.
At 3.15pm, following an extensive and exhaustive search of the area, Valentia Coast Guard stood down all agencies and the Lough Derg lifeboat returned to station.
Lough Derg RNLI helm Eleanor Hooker said that the lifeboat "in co-operation with our colleagues in the coastguard, made an extensive search of the area, before being stood down by Valentia Coast Guard when nothing was found."