The Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat was tasked this afternoon to assist two people on board a vessel that suffered engine failure on the lake.
Watch officers at the Irish Coast Guard’s marine rescue coordination centre on Valentia Island in Kerry Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to launch to assist the 32ft motor cruiser that suffered gear box failure but was at anchor at Rossmore.
At 1:40pm Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat launched and by 2pm had arrived at the scene.
An RNLI volunteer was transferred across to the casualty vessel, where he found all board to be safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets. The RNLI crew checked that there was no ingress of water, or an oil leak from the damaged engine.
Given the isolated location, the poor weather conditions and the likelihood of initiating another rescue should the vessel be left where it was, the helm made the decision to take the casualty vessel under an astern tow to the safest close harbour, Kilgarvin Harbour.
The crew set up for a tow, after which, under the instruction of the helm, the RNLI volunteer on board the casualty vessel brought in its anchor.
At 2:25pm the casualty vessel was safely tied alongside at Kilgarvin, where a marine engineer was coming to repair the engine.
Commenting on the callout, Greg Whelan, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI said: “Thankfully both people on board were wearing their lifejackets, and had dropped anchor as soon as they found themselves in difficulty.
As this is the beginning of the boating season, we would remind boat users to ensure your vessel and engine are in good condition before setting out. If you get into difficulty or see somebody else in trouble on the water, dial 999 or 112 or use VHF radio Channel 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.”