The Lough Derg RNLI has assisted a person on board a 26ft cruiser reported adrift on the lake after its propeller became fouled.
The Irish Coast Guard tasked the Tipperary-based volunteer crew at 4.38pm and requested them to make their way to Williamstown, north of the Corakeen Islands. The person on board was found to be safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejacket.
Given the location, close to a main navigation route, and the possibility of another callout should the vessel be left where it was and with no other suitable vessel to tow assist, the helm made the decision to take the casualty vessel to the closest safe harbour at Dromineer.
An RNLI volunteer transferred across to the casualty vessel and explained the plan before he prepared the cruiser for an astern tow.
At 5:18pm, the casualty vessel was safely tied alongside at Dromineer Harbour. The lifeboat departed the scene to return to station where it was washed down and refuelled and made ready for service.
Commenting on the callout, Jeremy Freeman, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI said: ‘we would remind boat users to ensure you lines are all stowed carefully. 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.’
The operation was coordinated by watch officers at the Irish Coast Guard’s marine rescue coordination centre on Valentia Island in Kerry.