Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat assisted 3 persons in difficulties off Garrykennedy, winds NW F 6, April 3 2012
At lunch time yesterday Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat launched to assist three persons in difficulty in their 14ft sailing dinghy off Garrykennedy.
The lifeboat launched at 13.10 with helm Peter Clarke, Lian Knight and Ben Ronayne on board. Winds were north north-west, F6 gusting 7 with frequent hail showers. At 13.20hrs the lifeboat located the dinghy aground and swamped west of Garrykennedy. The lifeboat crew recovered the three teenagers and their belongings to the lifeboat and took them to public harbour at Garrykennedy. The sailors had been unable to sail their vessel in the wind conditions and had been driven onto rocks. The three were cold and were permitted to use the showers in the harbour to warm up.
RNLI Crew member Eleanor Hooker was requested to travel by road with additional blankets and to give shelter in her car until they were collected by family.
The lifeboat returned to station and was ready for sevice again at 14.30hrs. The young sailors were collected by family at 15.08hrs