Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat volunteers were tasked on Tuesday afternoon to assist five people on board a cruise boat that suffered engine failure on the lake.
Shortly before 1.00pm, watch officers at the Irish Coast Guard’s marine rescue coordination centre on Valentia Island in Kerry received a report that a 32ft motor cruiser suffered engine failure on the lake. The vessel, with five people on board, was reported to be at anchor north of Illaunmore.
At 1:05pm, the Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat, based at Dromineer, Co Tipperary, was launched an arrived at the scene in under ten minutes. RNLI volunteers found that all those on board the casualty vessel were safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets.Given the location, close to a main navigation route, and the possibility of another callout should the vessel be left where it was and with no other traffic on the water at the time, the helm made the decision to assist the casualty vessel to the closest safe harbour at Dromineer.
An RNLI volunteer transferred across to the casualty vessel and explained the plan before he prepared the cruiser for an astern tow. The RNLI crew recovered the anchor when instructed to by the lifeboat.
At 2:10pm, the casualty vessel was safely tied alongside at Dromineer Harbour.
Commenting on the callout, Christine O’Malley, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Lough Derg RNLI said: ‘We would remind boat users to ensure you check you engine and fuel before embarking on your journey. If you get into difficulty or see somebody else in trouble on the water, dial 999 or 112 or use VHF radio Channel 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
