Lough Derg RNLI’s lifeboat volunteers were diverted from exercise in Dromineer Bay last night (Thursday 26 August) to assist two people on a 12ft fishing boat with engine failure just off the Goat Road, on the eastern shore of the lough.
The RNLI crew plotted a course to the Goat Road, and as the made their way under nightfall they monitored the fast moving vessels operating in the area on radar.
Arriving on scene within 20 minutes, the lifeboat was directed to the casualty vessel by the people on board using torches.
The fishing boat was floating close to a rocky shore south of the Goat Road, so the lifeboat made a cautious approach.
Once alongside, the lifeboat crew found both people on board safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets. The duo reported that their boat had glanced off a rock and suffered engine failure.
Given the hour and the drop in temperature, lifeboat helm Eleanor Hooker decided the safest option was to set up an alongside tow and take the vessel with her passengers to Dromineer, the safest close harbour.
Without sufficient warm clothing, the two people took shelter in the forward cabin of their boat until it was safety tied alongside in Dromineer before 11.20pm.
Peter Kennedy, deputy launching authority at Lough Derg RNLI, advises all water users to “study your charts and be prepared; anticipate a drop in temperature with nightfall”.
The lifeboat crew on this callout were Eleanor Hooker, Doireann Kennedy, Tom Hayes and Ciara Lynch.