Lough Derg RNLI comes to assistance of two people on cruiser that suffered engine failure

Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat this Thursday to launch to assist two people on a 40ft cruiser with engine failure and at anchor close to Terryglass Bay.  

Shortly after noon, Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Steve Smyth; and Eleanor Hooker, Chris Parker and Joe O’Donoghue on board. The wind was south-easterly Force 4/5, visibility was good. 

At 12.35pm the lifeboat located the casualty vessel and came alongside to transfer an RNLI volunteer across to assess the situation. Both people on board were safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets.  

The RNLI crew reported back to the lifeboat that the vessel was dragging its anchor slightly and at risk of being dragged into rocky and shallow water.

The helm made the decision to take the vessel with her passengers, and with the RNLI crew member remaining on board, to the closest safe harbour. The lifeboat informed Valentia Coast Guard of the decision.  

At 12.43pm the lifeboat had the casualty vessel under tow to Terryglass Harbour where it was then moored on the outer wall of the harbour.  

Aoife Kennedy, deputy launching authority at Lough Derg RNLI advises boat users: "If you find yourself in difficulty dial 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard".  

Earlier in the week, on Sunday afternoon, August 6, Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat was requested to launch to assist three people on a vessel taking on water and in danger of sinking outside Garrykennedy Harbour.

At 2.08pm the lifeboat launched with helm Eleanor Hooker, Joe O’Donoghue and Richard Nolan on board.

At 2.15pm the lifeboat was stood down by Valentia Coast Guard, who informed the crew that a vessel close by had towed the casualty vessel into the harbour and that it was now safely moored.