The Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat was tasked this afternoon to investigate a report of a vessel in difficulty in poor weather.
Watch officers at the Irish Coast Guard’s marine rescue sub centre on Valentia Island in Kerry, requested the volunteer crew to launch and make their way to located a 20ft cruiser reported aground west of Garrykennedy Harbour.
At 3.30pm Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat launched in difficult conditions. The wind was southerly Force 5, gusting Force 7 while visibility was fair with heavy squalls.
The Killaloe unit of the Irish Coast Guard was also alerted and dispatched team members of road to assist.
At 3.41pm the lifeboat located the casualty vessel midway between Garrykennedy Harbour and Parker’s Point. The lifeboat navigated a safe passage to the vessel which was grounded on rocks close to the shore. An RNLI volunteer went aboard the vessel to determine whether there was anyone on board and in need of assistance. The vessel was empty.
The RNLI crew located the boat’s registration so that Valentia Coast Guard could make contact with the owner.
Given the location and the deteriorating weather conditions, the helm made the decision to make the vessel safe, to deploy its anchor and secure its canopy, and to leave the vessel at the location. The lifeboat helm informed Valentia Coast Guard of this decision.
Eleanor Hooker, Helm at Lough Derg RNLI advises boat users ‘to check the mooring lines on your vessel to ensure they are secure, particularly in anticipation of poor weather conditions’.