The Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat was tasked this morning to assist a family of four on a 34ft cruiser that ran aground near Portumna, at the northern end of the lake.
Shortly before 11.00am, while Lough Derg RNLI volunteers were engaged in a training exercise, they were contacted by the Irish Coast Guard.
Watch officers at the Coast Guard’s marine rescue coordination centre on Valentia Island in Kerry received a report that a cruiser had run aground near Portumna. A member of the public raised the alarm by calling the 999/112 emergency number.
The crew of the Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat was requested to make their way to the scene and assess the situation. It was originally reported that there were two people on board the casualty vessel.
The lifeboat crew, with helm Dom Sharkey and crew members Joe O’Donoghue, Tom Hayes and Ciara Lynch on board, headed immediately to the scene. The lake was calm with good visibility. Winds were with south-westerly, Force 1-2. The lifeboat had the casualty vessel in sight at 11.24am.
Using local knowledge and on-board navigation charts, the lifeboat made a safe approach to the casualty vessel. An RNLI volunteer transferred across to ensure the passengers were safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets. It was established there was in fact a family of four on board.
The RNLI volunteer carried out a thorough inspection of the casualty vessel and, once satisfied it was not holed, reported back to the lifeboat. Given the remote location and that there were children on board, the helm decided to assist the vessel back out into safe water.
At 11.40am the casualty vessel was back in safe water. The lifeboat crew checked the drives and propeller on the casualty vessel and found them to be in good working order. With an RNLI volunteer remaining on board, the cruiser then made way under its own power to the closest safe harbour. The lifeboat was stood down at 11.52am.
Christine O’Malley, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Lough Derg RNLI, advises boat users to “plan your passage noting the navigation buoys along the route. Always carry a means of communication”.
