Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat launched to assist a person on board a 30ft–cruiser, aground at Gortmore Point, at the north-eastern shore of Lough Derg yesterday morning.
Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat to launch to assist a person on board a 30ft cruiser that had gone aground on Lough Derg, south of Portumna
The lifeboat launched at 10.45am with helm Eleanor Hooker, Ger Egan and Lorna Walsh on board. Winds were west-southwest, Force 3/4, visibility was good.
The lifeboat located the vessel at Gortmore Point, on the north-eastern shore of Lough Derg. The person on board was safe and unharmed, but distressed. They were wearing their lifejacket.
An RNLI volunteer climbed across and provided reassurance. The RNLI crew member checked the boat for any damage, and once satisfied the cruiser was not holed, set up a tow.
The cruiser was taken off the rocks and out into safe water, where the drives and engine were checked and found to be in working order.
With two RNLI volunteers on board the casualty vessel with its skipper, the lifeboat accompanied the cruiser to Dromineer harbour.
Brendan O’Brien, Deputy Launching Authority for Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat, advises lake users ‘who find themselves in difficulty, to dial 999 or 112 and ask for Marine Rescue’. ‘The RNLI Lifeboats and its volunteers provide 24hr rescue service, every day of the year.’