Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat completes successful rescue of stricken cruiser

Shortly before 1:30pm on Sunday August 4, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to launch to assist a lone skipper on a 20ft cruiser that had suffered engine failure in rough weather.

The vessel was reported to be on the west shore of the lake behind the Corrakeen Islands.

A few minutes later. Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat launched with helm Eleanor Hooker, crew Chris Parker and Joe O’Donoghue on board.

About 20 minutes after setting off, the lifeboat had sight of the casualty vessel.

It was lying side on to weather on the western shore of the lake behind the Corrakeens.

The person on board was safe and wearing their lifejacket.

The skipper explained to the RNLI volunteers that having come down the Shannon to the lake without incident, their engine failed and they were unable to get it going again.

Given the vessel’s location on the navigation route, the local weather conditions and forecast, and the possibility of initiating another emergency response should the vessel be left where it was, the helm made the decision to take the cruiser under an alongside tow to the nearest safe haven at Dromaan Harbour, a short distance along the shoreline from the casualty vessel’s location.

The lifeboat informed Valentia Coast Guard of the plan.

The casualty vessel was safely tied alongside in Dromaan at 2.30pm The lifeboat departed the scene and, back at station, was washed down and refuelled at 3pm.

Peter Kennedy, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI said: “Given the conditions on the lake today, the casualty made the correct decision to immediately call for help by dialling 999 and asking for the Coast Guard.”