LIVE: Emergency response from Tipperary as two people in crisis situation

Two people on an 18ft motor cruiser with engine failure and adrift by Hare Island

On Friday, April 18, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to launch to assist two people on an 18ft motor cruiser with engine failure and adrift by Hare Island.

At 4.55pm Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Eleanor Hooker, crew Joe O’Donoghue, James Corballis and Tom Hayes on board.

The wind was north-easterly, Force 3. Visibility was moderate to poor with mist and low cloud cover.

At 5.03pm the lifeboat came alongside the casualty vessel. Both persons on board were safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets.

Given the boat's location, the weather conditions and the possibility of initiating another emergency response should the vessel be left where it was, the helm made the decision to take the vessel under an astern tow to Dromineer Harbour.

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 with mooring lines once in harbour.

At 5.44pm the casualty vessel was safely tied alongside in Dromineer Harbour.

The lifeboat departed the scene and was back at station at 5.46pm.

Jeremy Freeman, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI, advises boat users to "plan your passage with close attention to the weather forecast. If you do find yourself in difficulty call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard".