#rnli – Yesterday afternoon at 17.24hrs, Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat was requested by Valentia Coast Guard to assist 15 persons on board a cruiser that had grounded off Kylenoe Point on the northeastern shore of Lough Derg. At 17.35hrs, the lifeboat launched with Helm Eleanor Hooker, Robbie Garland and Owen Cavanagh on board. Winds were westerly, Force 4, and visibility was good.
The skipper of another cruiser, Crescendo, had sight of the casualty vessel and radioed that she would remain nearby. When the lifeboat arrived, all persons were found to be safe and unharmed, but anxious. They were reassured by the lifeboat crew and requested to put on their lifejackets. An RNLI lifeboat crew member boarded the vessel, which was standing in less than a metre of water. Once it was established that the boat was not holed, it was taken off the rocks and towed into safe water. Forward and astern drive and steering were checked and found to be undamaged. The skipper of the cruiser, who had misread the charts, was given further instruction before continuing his onward journey.
The Lifeboat returned to station and was ready for service again 19.30hrs.
Lifeboat Operations Manager, Charles Stanley Smith would like to stress that 'Lough Derg is a wonderful tourist resort with many varied attractions for all'. However, he advises that as the summer holidays approach, 'all lake users should take simple safety measures: wear a lifejacket, get familiar with lake charts, carry a means of calling for help, check engine and fuel, tell others where you are going and check the weather before your journey. Then, enjoy yourself on the lake'.