The Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat was requested to respond to assist 7 people on board a cruiser reported to have suffered engine failure.
Watch officers at the Irish Coast Guard’s marine rescue coordination centre on Valentia Island in Kerry received a report that a 20ft cruiser had suffered engine failure and was drifting towards rocks west of Garrykennedy Harbour. There were 2 adults and 5 children on board.
As the lifeboat was launching from its based in Dromineer, Co Tipperary at around 4.45pm, other boats in the vicinity hailed the Coast Guard station at Valentia to report they were also making their way to the scene to assist. The area in which the casualty vessel was located is known locally for its choppy waters and sudden shallows.
As the lifeboat approached the location, the Coast Guard informed the crew that a small speedboat had taken the casualty vessel under tow to safe water. The lifeboat was requested to continue to attend and arrived on scene at 4.55pm.
There were 2 motor cruisers standing by, and the small speed boat, having heard the call for help, had left Garrykennedy Harbour bringing a 5L can of fuel. Once in safe water the casualty vessel refuelled and was able to make way under its own power.
Everyone on the casualty vessel was safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets. At the request of Valentia Coast Guard, the lifeboat accompanied the casualty vessel to the safety of Garrykennedy Harbour.
The lifeboat departed the scene and was back at station at 5.30pm.
Mary Hurley, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI, advises boat users to ‘make sure you plan your route before setting out. Always carry sufficient fuel for your journey and carry a reliable means of communication’.
