Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat assists a family of 5 after their motor boat broke down

Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat launched to assist a family of five in difficulty after their 17ft motor boat broke down and drifted into Cloondavaun Bay, south of Portumna, on the Galway shore of Lough Derg.

Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat launched following a request from Valentia Coast Guard to assist five people after their 17ft motor boat suffered engine failure and was drifting south of Portumna.

At 14.30hrs on Sunday afternoon, June 9, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat to launch to assist a five people, two adults and three young children, after their 17ft motor boat suffered engine failure and was drifting south of Portumna, on the north western shore of Lough Derg.

The lifeboat launched at 14.45hrs with Helm Eleanor Hooker, Lian Knight and Tom Dunne on board. Winds were south easterly, Force 2.  When the lifeboat came alongside at 15.15hrs, a passing cruiser had noticed the vessel in distress and had commenced a tow.  The lifeboat transferred a crew member to the casualty vessel.  The five people on board were unharmed, but hot and tired.  They had a good supply of water and were advised to take plenty.

The lifeboat took over the tow and thanked the cruiser for their vigilance and assistance.  With a lifeboat volunteer on board, the lifeboat towed the motor boat to Portumna and under the bridge to the slip where the family’s car and launching trolley were parked.

Lough Derg RNLI helm Eleanor Hooker thanked the couple on the cruiser for their assistance to the family.  She advises boat users to ‘ensure their engines are fully serviced and to provision their boats well with water before setting out in hot weather’.

The Lifeboat returned to station and was ready for service again at 17.15hrs.