A 22ft yacht reported to be drifting towards the Clare shoreline on Lough Derg after suffering engine failure, was taken to safety by the RNLI this afternoon.
The Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat crew was paged and tasked by watch officers at the Irish Coast Guard’s maritime rescue coordination centre on Valentia Island in Kerry.
The skipper had reported suffering engine failure and had dropped anchor however it was dragging on the lake bed leaving the vessel adrift.
The volunteer Lough Derg RNLI crew launched at 1.56pm from their base at Dromineer armed with a description of the vessel. By 2:08pm the lifeboat crew could see the casualty vessel inside the Hagan, lying close to the rocky shore off the County Clare shoreline.
Using local knowledge and the navigational tools on board, the navigator gave the helm a safe course to steer to the stricken vessel. Navigation charts indicated that the casualty vessel was positioned with considerable hazards at its bow and stern. The lifeboat took a safe and slow approach with a volunteer taking soundings off the bow.
As the lifeboat approached the casualty vessel, it changed its aspect to the wind, permitting the lifeboat to safely come alongside. The skipper on board was concerned, but safe and unharmed and wearing a lifejacket.
Given the remote location, the known hazards at the scene and the possibility of initiating another rescue callout should the casualty vessel be left where it was, the helm made the decision to take the vessel under an astern tow and across the narrow stretch of lake to the safest safe haven on the Tipperary side of the lake.
At 2:19pm, an RNLI volunteer transferred across to the yacht to prepare it to be taken under tow and lift the anchor when instructed. At 2:46pm the casualty vessel was safely tied alongside at Kilgarvin Harbour.
Commenting on the callout, Christine O’Malley, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Lough Derg RNLI said: “Thankfully the skipper was wearing their lifejacket, had dropped anchor and called for help as soon as they encountered difficulties.
We would remind anyone planning a trip on the lake that if you get into difficulty or see somebody else in trouble on the water, dial 999 or 112 or use VHF radio CH 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
