On Sunday afternoon (16 August), Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI to assist a rower at Parkers Point who was struggling with fatigue.
At 1.55pm, Lough Derg’s inshore lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Owen Cavanagh and crew Doireann Kennedy, Joe O’Donoghue and Chris Parker on board. The wind was south-easterly Force 4 and visibility was good, decreasing to moderate with rain and mist.
The lifeboat arrived on scene at 2.10pm to find that the casualty had remained in his canoe and sought shelter close to the shore at Parker’s Point.
Due to known hazards at the location, the helm asked the crew to prepare to anchor and veer down to rescue the casualty and take him to safety.
Once the casualty was safely aboard the lifeboat, RNLI volunteers brought in the canoe. The casualty was taken to Garrykennedy Harbour, where he was later met by friends. He did not require medical assistance.
Commenting on the call-out, Aoife Kennedy, launching authority at Lough Derg RNLI said: “The casualty made the correct decision to request immediate assistance when he realised he needed help.
“Remember, the RNLI advises rowers to row in company, check local weather before setting out, carry a reliable means of communication like a VHF radio or waterproof mobile phone, and know how to ‘Float to Live’ if capsized or immersed in cold or deep water.”
