#rnli – Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat launched following a Mayday Relay from Valentia Coast Guard, to go the assistance of ten people, whose 35ft motor cruiser was sinking at Parker's Point, the deepest water on Lough Derg.
At 16.15hrs on Saturday afternoon, July 13, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat to launch following a Mayday transmission requesting immediate assistance for ten people, when their 35ft motor cruiser began to sink at Parker's point, at the south western end of Lough Derg.
At 16.25hrs the lifeboat launched with Helm Eleanor Hooker, David Moore and Tom Dunne on board. Winds were northerly, Force 3/4. Temperature was 25*C. The lifeboat carried it's Salvage Pump to the scene.
The Killaloe Coast Guard lifeboat and the Irish Coast Guard Search & Rescue Helicopter also responded to the Mayday.
When the RNLI Lifeboat arrived on scene the Killaloe Coast Guard had taken eight young adults onto their boat and had set up tow to the casualty vessel, which had two adults remaining on board.
When it was established that none of the people required medical attention and that the water was being successfully pumped from the boat, the Helicopter crew returned to base.
At 16.35hrs the RNLI lifeboat slow paced with the Killaloe Coast Guard boat to transfer the eight people to the Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat, so that they could be taken quickly to Mountshannon Harbour to get shade and water.
The skipper of the cruiser identified why his vessel was taking on water and successfully fixed the problem. No longer requiring a tow, he made way to Mountshannon Harbour under his own power, and was assisted to tie up alongside.
Many boats in the vicinity, including two RNLI volunteers, Owen Cavangh and Dom Sharkey, in their RIB, offered assistance and remained on standby throughout, should their help have been needed.
Once all ten people and their boat were safely landed at Mountshannon, the Coast Guard cancelled the Mayday and the Seelonce Mayday
Lough Derg RNLI helm Eleanor Hooker said "it was good to work with our colleagues in the Coast Guard and to have had such a swift and successful outcome to this Mayday request for help". As the heat wave is forecast to continue she advises water users 'to stay safe in and around water and not to take risks'.
The Lifeboat returned to station and was ready for service again at 17.40hrs.