The Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat was tasked earlier today to assist two people on a motor cruiser which was reported to have suffered engine failure.
The incident was reported to watch officers at the Irish Coast Guard’s marine rescue coordination centre on Valentia Island in Kerry.
RNLI volunteers were informed that the skipper had dropped anchor when their engine had failed, but the anchor was dragging. The vessel was reported to be near Terryglass, the most northerly part of the lake.
At 11:35am the Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat launched from its base at Dromineer on the Tipperary shore. The wind was southerly, Force 4 gusting F 5/7 at times. Visibility was said to be fair with frequent heavy squalls.
By midday, the lifeboat had located the casualty the 32-foot cruiser north of Terryglass Harbour. An RNLI volunteer transferred across to the vessel, where they found both people on board safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets.
Given the location and the forecast for persistent heavy winds into the night, the RNLI helm made the decision to take the casualty vessel, with her two crew and an RNLI volunteer on board, on a astern tow to Terryglass Harbour.
As the lifeboat approached Terryglass, the helm requested RNLI crew to change the tow to an alongside tow in order to best navigate the narrow channel. At 12:44pm, once the casualty vessel was safely lied alongside in Terryglass Harbour, the lifeboat departed the scene and was back at Station at 13:14pm.
Steve Smyth, Volunteer Helm at Lough Derg RNLI said: ‘The skipper of the casualty vessel took the correct action in dropping anchor and immediately calling for help. If you find yourself in difficulty, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
