Rescue operation in Tipperary lake as engine failure causes two people to be left stranded

On Sunday morning August 31, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to launch to assist two people on a motor cruiser with engine failure near Terryglass in Tipperary, the most northerly part of the lake.

RNLI volunteers were informed that the skipper had dropped anchor when their engine had failed, but the anchor was dragging.

At 11:35am Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Steve Smyth, crew Ciara Lynch, Joe O’Donoghue and Chris Parker on board. The wind was southerly, Force 4 gusting F 5/7. Visibility was fair with frequent heavy squalls.

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At 12:00 midday, the lifeboat located the casualty vessel north of Terryglass Harbour. An RNLI volunteer transferred across to the casualty vessel, where they found both people on board safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets.

Given the location and the forecast for persistent heavy winds into the night, the RNLI helm made the decision to take the casualty vessel, with her two crew and an RNLI volunteer on board, on a astern tow to Terryglass Harbour.

As the lifeboat approached Terryglass, the helm requested RNLI crew to change the tow to an alongside tow in order to best navigate the narrow channel.

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At 12:44pm, once the casualty vessel was safely lied alongside in Terryglass Harbour, the lifeboat departed the scene and was back at Station at 13:14pm.

Steve Smyth, Volunteer Helm at Lough Derg RNLI said ‘the skipper of the casualty vessel took the correct action in dropping anchor and immediately calling for help. If you find yourself in difficulty, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard’.