The Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat was tasked this afternoon to respond to a vessel reported to have suffered engine failure, the second such incident in less than 24 hours on the lake.
Watch officers at the Irish Coast Guard’s marine rescue sub centre in Kerry requested Lough Derg RNLI crew to launch their boat and assist 3 people on a 26ft cruiser which had lost power in the vicinity of Youghal Bay, east of Garrykennedy Harbour in Tipperary.
The lifeboat was promptly launched at 5.34pm and by 5.41pm had reached the casualty vessel at anchor in the location given. The casualty vessel’s anchor was found to be holding and an RNLI volunteer boarded the vessel where it was determined that all on board were safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets.
Given the location, the deteriorating weather conditions and the casualty vessel’s proximity to Garrykennedy, the safest close harbour, the helm made the decision to take the casualty vessel under an astern tow to the harbour. The lifeboat helm informed Valentia Coast Guard of this decision.
The casualty vessel was safely tied alongside at 6.08pm. The lifeboat departed the scene and was back at station at 6.31pm.
Aoife Kennedy, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI, advises boat users to ‘carry sufficient fuel for your journey, and if you find yourself in difficulty, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard’.
It was the second time in less than 24 hours that the Lough Derg lifeboat had responded to a vessel with engine failure on the lake.
Last evening, the volunteer crew responded to an incident on the Clare side of the lake.
