Lough Derg RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was requested by Valentia Coast Guard to launch to assist four people on a 35ft cruiser with fuel problems yesterday evening, Friday 11 June.
The vessel was reported to be near Navigation Mark F, north of the Goat Road on the Tipperary shore.
At 5.05pm the lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Owen Cavanagh and crew Eleanor Hooker, Joe O’Donoghue and Chris Parker on board. Conditions had a westerly Force 3/4 wind, with good visibility.
Fifteen minutes later, the lifeboat located the vessel just off the navigation channel above the Goat Road, where the passengers had dropped anchor to prevent drifting into the shallows and onto rocks.
All on board were found to be safe and unharmed, and wearing their lifejackets.
An RNLI volunteer transferred across the casualty vessel and once it was established that there was no damage to the vessel, but that it would require assistance to safe harbour, an alongside tow was set up.
The nearest safe harbour was the public moorings at Kilgarvan Quay, where the casualty vessel was safety tied at 5.50pm.
Jeremy Freeman, deputy launching authority at Lough Derg RNLI, advises boat users this busy summer season to “ensure you have sufficient, fresh fuel for your journey and a means of communication”.