#rnli – Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat launched following a transmission on Channel 16 from a yachtsman reporting himself lost on Lough Derg.
At 8.15pm on Saturday evening, March 4, Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat launched following a request by Valentia Coast Guard to locate a yachtsman, after he transmitted on VHF Channel 16 that was lost on Lough Derg.
The lifeboat crew were given a description of the boat, sails and sail number. The yachtsman said he had left Garrykennedy Harbour and had made way for about 'ten miles' and was now uncertain of his position. Valentia Coast Guard reported that after receiving two poor transmissions, on Channel 16 and Channel 61, they were unable to contact the vessel again.
The lifeboat launched with Helm Ger Egan, Eleanor Hooker and Peter Clarke on board. The lake was calm with no wind, visibility was good and with nightfall, a full moon.
The Killaloe Coast Guard commenced a search from Killaloe at the southern end of the lake and the Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat searched north from Dromineer, including Kilgarvin, Terryglass, Castletown Harbours and up the Shannon to Portumna Bridge, making enquiries of the boats moored at each harbour.
When the lifeboat reported that no sighting of a vessel adrift, they were stood down.
The Lifeboat returned to station and was ready for service again at 22.10pm.