Rower rescued from Lough Derg in Tipperary suffering fatigue
The rower was assisted at Parkers Point, on the eastern shore of Lough Derg and taken to Garrykennedy
On Sunday 16 August, Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat were called to Parkers Point to assist a rower, who was struggling with fatigue.
At 1:55pm on Sunday afternoon, the Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat ‘Jean Spier’ was launched with helm Owen Cavanagh, and crew Doireann Kennedy, Joe O’Donoghue and Chris Parker on board.
Fifteen minutes later, the lifeboat volunteers arrived on scene.
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 onboard the lifeboat, RNLI volunteers brought in the canoe.
The casualty was taken to Garrykennedy Harbour, where he was later met by friends.
Commenting on the callout, Aoife Kennedy, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI said that 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”.