#rnli – Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat launched yesterday to assist two people on board a 24ft cruiser, broken down and drifting across the lake near Portumna.
The lifeboat launched at 4.45pm with Helm Eleanor Hooker, Jason Freeman and Keith Brennan on board. Winds were westerly, Force 4, visibility was fair to good with frequent rain squalls.
The cruiser was pushed up river towards Portumna Bridge by the wind. When the lifeboat arrived on scene, it found the two people to be safe and unharmed, and wearing their lifejackets. Another vessel had attempted to assist, but their tow had broken and the lifeboat was called.
An RNLI volunteer checked the boat for damage and when he was satisfied it was not holed, set up a tow. The Lifeboat took the cruiser under tow to the safety of Terryglass harbour, where it was tied alongside at 5.55pm.
Lifeboat Helm Eleanor Hooker thanked boat users in Terryglass Harbour, who took lines when the lifeboat brought the cruiser alongside. She advises skippers to 'ensure their boat has fresh fuel and is well serviced before going afloat'.