Lough Derg RNLI was called on Friday evening (12 June) to assist four people on a 35ft motor cruiser with engine failure at anchor close to Terryglass Harbour.
At 6.25pm, the inshore lifeboat Jean Spier launched with volunteer helm Owen Cavanagh and crew Steve Smyth and Joe O’Donoghue on board. The wind was southerly with frequent squalls, Force 4 to 5, with good visibility.
The lifeboat arrived on scene at 6.52pm to find that the casualty vessel was floating and its anchor holding.
A marine engineer in his Dory motor boat had remained alongside the casualty vessel until the lifeboat arrived. As the lifeboat stood off to assess the situation, the engineer gave the RNLI volunteers a report of his findings.
Given the hour, the location close to a main navigation route, the weather conditions and the possibility of another call-out should the vessel be left where it was, the helm made the decision to assist the casualty vessel to the closest safe harbour at Terryglass.
An RNLI volunteer transferred across to the casualty vessel and found all on board safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets. He explained the plan and proceeded to prepare the casualty vessel for an astern tow.
The casualty vessel was then towed to Terryglass Harbour and tied alongside at 7.25pm.
Commenting on the call-out, Greg Whelan, launching authority at Lough Derg RNLI said: “We would remind boat users to ensure you check you engine, fuel and the weather forecast before embarking on your journey.
“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.”
