The Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat was called out this afternoon to a report that a speedboat, with two people on board, had run aground on the lake.
Gardaí were alerted to the incident and they in turn notified watch officers at the Irish Coast Guard’s marine rescue coordination centre for the region, on Valentia Island in Kerry.
It had been reported that a 16ft speed boat, with two persons on board, had ran aground in Youghal Bay after suffering engine failure.
At 1.31pm, the Dromineer-based Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat and proceeded directly to the location.
The lifeboat crew located the casualty vessel close to the shore deep inside Youghal Bay, in an area known by the RNLI volunteers to be particularly sandy. As the lifeboat navigated a safe course to the boat, crew noticed that the two casualties were standing amongst the reeds close to the vessel.
After getting as close to the casualty vessel as was safe, an RNLI volunteer, carrying a handheld VHF radio and a general purpose line, was able to wade to the casualty vessel. The two people were asked to get back on board and the RNLI volunteer then eased the vessel off the sandbank and out into safe water.
Given the isolated location and that the casualties’ change of dry clothes, car and trailer were located at the closest safe haven, Garrykennedy Harbour, the helm made the decision to take the vessel under an astern tow to Garrykennedy. An RNLI volunteer remained on board the casualty vessel. The lifeboat informed Valentia Coast Guard of this decision.
The casualty vessel was safely tied alongside in Garrykennedy Harbour at 2.15pm. The lifeboat departed the scene and was back at station in Dromineer at 2.37pm.
Jeremy Freeman, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI, advises boat users to wear your lifejackets, and always carry a means of communication’.