Lough Derg lifeboat successfully rescues two boats stranded off the coast

The Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat was called upon twice this week to perform rescue operations for stranded boats.

On Tuesday, May 28, Valentia Coast Guard requested the Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to assist six people on a 31ft cruiser with engine failure on the west shore of Lough Derg.

The lifeboat Jean Spier launched shortly before 7pm with Dom Sharkey at the helm, alongside crew Chris Parker, Tom Hayes and Oisín Higgins.

At around 7:05pm, it came alongside the casualty vessel. All six people on board the vessel were safe, unharmed and wearing their lifejackets.

Given the isolated location, the time of day, and that there were seniors and infants on board, Sharkey made the decision to take the vessel under tow back to Dromineer, where the passengers had their car parked.

The casualty vessel was safely tied alongside in Dromineer Harbour just after 7:30pm, and the lifeboat was back at the station for 8pm.

The following day, Wednesday May 29, Valentia Coast Guard again requested the lifeboat to launch and assist three people on a 26ft cruiser suffering an engine failure in Youghal Bay, east of Garrykennedy Harbour.

Around 5:30pm, the lifeboat launched with Dom Sharkey once again at the helm, and crew Eleanor Hooker, Chris Parker and Joe O’Donoghue all on board.

A few minutes later, the lifeboat located the stranded vessel with its anchor holding.

An RNLI volunteer boarded the vessel, finding all passengers were unharmed and wearing lifejackets.

With weather conditions deteriorating, Sharkey made the decision to take the vessel under an astern tow to Garrykennedy harbour, the closest harbour, informing the Valentia Coast Guard of his decision.

The vessel arrived back at station safely at around 6:30pm.

Aoife Kennedy, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI, advises boat users to "carry sufficient fuel for your journey, and if you find yourself in difficulty, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard."

She also encourages those sailing to "ensure your vessel is serviced before undertaking a journey," and to "always check the weather forecast and carry a means of communication."