Lough Derg RNLI was requested to launch on Sunday afternoon (4 August) to assist a lone skipper on a 20ft cruiser that had suffered engine failure in rough weather.
The vessel was reported to be on the west shore of the lake behind the Corrakeen Islands when the call came in from Valentia Coast Guard at 1.25pm.
Just 12 minutes later, the inshore lifeboat launched with helm Eleanor Hooker, crew Chris Parker and Joe O’Donoghue on board. Weather conditions had southerly Force 4–5 winds but good visibility.
At 1.48pm the lifeboat had sight of the casualty vessel, which was lying side on to weather on the western shore of the lake behind the Corrakeens.
The person on board was safe and wearing their lifejacket. They explained to the RNLI volunteers that having come down the Shannon to the lake without incident, their engine failed and they were unable to get it going again.
Given the vessel’s location on the navigation route, the local weather conditions and forecast, and the possibility of initiating another emergency response should the vessel be left where it was, the helm made the decision to take the cruiser under an alongside tow to the nearest safe haven at Dromaan Harbour, a short distance along the shoreline from the casualty vessel’s location.
The lifeboat informed Valentia Coast Guard of the plan, and the casualty vessel was swiftly towed to harbour and safely tied alongside in Dromaan at 2.30pm.
Peter Kennedy, launching authority at Lough Derg RNLI said: “Given the conditions on the lake today, the casualty made the correct decision to immediately call for help by dialling 999 and asking for the coastguard.”