Lough Derg RNLI launched on Tuesday afternoon (16 June) to assist five people on a 32ft motor cruiser with engine failure and at anchor north of Illaunmore.
At the request of Valentia Coast Guard, Lough Derg RNLI’s inshore lifeboat Jean Spier launched at 1.05pm with volunteer helm Chris Parker and crew James Corballis and Owen Cavanagh on board. Conditions had a south-westerly Force 2 to 3 wind with good visibility.
The lifeboat arrived on scene at 1.14pm to find that all on board the casualty vessel were safe and unharmed, and wearing their lifejackets.
Given the location close to a main navigation route, the possibility of another call-out should the vessel be left where it was and with no other traffic on the water at the time, the lifeboat helm decided to assist the casualty vessel to the closest safe harbour at Dromineer.
An RNLI volunteer transferred across to the casualty vessel and explained the plan before he prepared the cruiser for an astern tow.
By 2.10pm, the casualty vessel was safely tied alongside at Dromineer Harbour.
Commenting on the call-out, Christine O’Malley, lifeboat operations manager at Lough Derg RNLI said: “We would remind boat users to ensure you check you engine and fuel 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.”
