Lough Derg RNLI assisted two people on a 15ft motorboat adrift north of Coolbawn, on the north-eastern shore of Lough Derg, after suffering engine failure on Monday afternoon (14 September).
Following a request from Valentia Coast Guard, the inshore lifeboat Jean Spier was launched at 2.30pm with helm James Corballis, and crew Steve Smyth and Paraic Slattery on board.
Weather conditions had a south-westerly Force 3 to 4 wind, gusting Force 5 in heavy squalls; visibility was mostly good, decreasing from moderate to poor in heavy rain.
The lifeboat volunteers arrived on scene at 2.54pm to find both people on board the casualty vessel safe and unharmed.
Given the remote location, the extant and forecast weather conditions, and the absence of any other vessels on the water at the location, the helm made the decision to transfer an RNLI volunteer across to the casualty vessel to set up for an astern tow to Terryglass Harbour, the closest safe haven.
At 3.37pm the helm requested the tow be changed from an astern to an alongside tow to navigate the narrow channel into the harbour. The casualty vessel was safely tied alongside at 3.46pm, with the skipper intending to recover their boat to their trailer.
Commenting on the call-out, Christine O’Malley, lifeboat operations manager at Lough Derg RNLI advises lake users to “check local weather before setting out, carry a reliable means of communication such as a VHF radio or waterproof mobile phone, ensure you have sufficient fuel for your journey and wear your lifejackets”.
