Lough Derg RNLI assists 3 people on an 28ft motor cruiser adrift with engine failure north of Dromaan Harbour
At 9.37pm this evening, Wednesday 30 April, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to assist 3 people on an 28ft motor cruiser with adrift with engine failure north of Dromaan Harbour.
At 9.42 pm Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Eleanor Hooker, crew Steve Smyth, Joe O’Donoghue and James Corballis on board. The lake was calm. Visibility was moderate at launch with imminent nightfall, clear skies and a waxing crescent moon.At 9.48pm the lifeboat located and came alongside the casualty vessel. The two adults and a child on board were safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets.
Given the cruiser’s location, adrift and without lights, the helm deemed it posed a direct risk to navigation. And with the added possibility of initiating another emergency response should the vessel be left where it was, the helm made the decision to assist the vessel to Dromaan Harbour, the safest close haven. The lifeboat informed Valentia Coast Guard of this decision. An RNLI volunteer transferred across to the casualty vessel and remained on board to assist the skipper once in harbour.
At 10.12pm the casualty vessel was safely tied alongside in Dromaan Harbour.
The lifeboat departed the scene and was back at station at 10.28pm
Tom Hayes, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI, advises boat users to, as we head into the boating season, ensure that your engines are serviced. Check that you have sufficient fuel for your journey’.
