Lough Derg RNLI launched on Wednesday afternoon (20 May) to assist two people on a 30ft motor cruiser with engine failure.
Following the request from Valentia Coast Guard, the inshore lifeboat Jean Spier launched at 3.50pm with helm James Corballis and crew Owen Cavanagh, Paraic Slattery and Deirdre Gleeson on board.
The lifeboat made best speed to the reported location south of Ballymacegan Island and north of Sally Island, five nautical miles above Portumna Bridge over the River Shannon. The wind was south-westerly Force 2 and visibility was good.
Valentia Coast Guard and the lifeboat liaised with Fergal Kearney, lock and bridge keeper at Portumna Bridge to open the bridge to allow the lifeboat to exit the lake and proceed upriver to the casualty’s location.
As the lifeboat neared the northern end of the lake, Valentia Coast Guard informed the RNLI crew that the casualty vessel had been taken under tow by a passing cruiser and was making way downriver to Portumna Bridge. Valentia Coast Guard requested the lifeboat proceed to ensure all was well with the two casualties on board.
The lifeboat located the cruiser being moored alongside at safe harbour just north of Portumna Bridge. RNLI crew found the two people on board to be safe and well.
Commenting on the call-out, Aoife Kennedy, launching authority at Lough Derg RNLI said: “As the boating season begins, we would remind boat users to ensure your vessel and engine are serviced. If you get into difficulty or see somebody else in trouble on the water, dial 999 or 112 or use VHF Radio Channel 16 and ask for the coastguard.”
