At 15.49hrs on Sunday April 17 the Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat was requested to launch by Valentia Coast Guard to assist five persons and their two dogs aboard a vessel adrift off Whitegate, on the County Clare side of Lough Derg. At 16.02 the lifeboat launched with helm Eleanor Hooker, Colin Knight and Ger Egan on board. The lake was calm with a light south-easterly wind, Force 2-3. Visibility was very good. The lifeboat came alongside the casualty vessel at 16.10hrs and found that all persons, four adults, one child and two dogs, were safe and unharmed. The casualty vessel had dropped anchor to prevent being pushed aground onto nearby rocks. With an RNLI crew member onboard, the cruiser was towed to the safety of the public harbour at Garrykennedy.
The skipper of the vessel thanked the crew of the lifeboat. He said 'I saw the lifeboat out training earlier this morning and never imagined you would be helping me in the afternoon. It's great to know you're there'.
The lifeboat returned to station and was ready for service again at 17.00hrs