#loughderglifeboat – Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat launched to assist eight people on board a 38ft cruiser aground near Dromane on the County Clare shore
At 11.35am today, July 26, Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat launched following a request from Valentia Coast Guard to assist a vessel reported aground by another boat on standby, at a location near Dromane on the County Clare shoreline. Winds were south-easterly, veering westerly, Force 3, visibility was fair with mist and frequent heavy squalls.
The lifeboat with helm Eleanor Hooker, Dom Sharkey and Lorna Walsh on board, was alongside the casualty vessel at 11.41pm. There were eight people on board, all safe and unharmed; they were requested to put on their lifejackets.
An RNLI volunteer crossed over to the casualty vessel and reassured everyone before checking the boat for damage. Once satisfied that it was not holed or taking on water, the Lifeboat took the cruiser off the rocks and under tow to safe water. Following a thorough check of drives and steering, and confirming the correct route on their chart, the cruiser and her passengers continued on its journey.
Brian Hanly, Deputy Launching Authority for Lough Derg RNLI, advises skippers to 'enjoy boating on the lake, to study charts and check weather forecasts as part of route planning'.
The Lifeboat returned to station and was ready for service again at 1.00pm.