Lough Derg RNLI’s inshore lifeboat launched on Friday (22 May) to assist a person on an 18ft speed boat with engine failure at Parker's Point, southwest of Garrykennedy.
Following a request from Valentia Coast Guard, the lifeboat Jean Spier launched at 5.54pm with helm James Corballis and crew Joe O’Donoghue, Chris Parker and Deirdre Gleeson on board. The wind was south-westerly, Force 3—4 with good visibility.
The lifeboat arrived on scene within 10 minutes, with the crew finding that a passing cruiser had taken the casualty vessel under an alongside tow to prevent them being pushed on to the rocky shore as their anchor was dragging. The skipper of the casualty vessel was safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejacket.
The RNLI helm spoke to the skipper of the assisting vessel, who was happy to continue the tow to the safest close harbour at Garrykennedy. The lifeboat informed Valentia Coast Guard of the plan to accompany both vessels to Garrykennedy, where the lifeboat would take over the tow through the narrow channel into the harbour.
The assisting vessel was thanked and continued its passage north, and the casualty vessel was safely tied alongside at 6.38pm.
Commenting on the call-out, Aoife Kennedy, launching authority at Lough Derg RNLI said: “As the boating season has begun in earnest, 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.”
