The Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat came to the rescue of two people on a speed boat run aground earlier this week after being alerted by the Coast Guard.
At 1:31pm on Monday Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Eleanor Hooker, crew Chris Parker, James Corballis and Deirdre Gleeson on board. The wind was westerly, Force 2 to 3. Visibility was good.
The lifeboat located the casualty vessel close to the shore deep inside Youghal Bay, in an area known by the RNLI volunteers to be particularly sandy.
As the lifeboat navigated a safe course to the boat, crew noticed that the two casualties were standing amongst the reeds close to the vessel.
After getting as close to the casualty vessel as was safe, an RNLI volunteer, carrying a handheld VHF radio and a general purpose line, was able to wade to the casualty vessel.
The two people were asked to get back on board and the RNLI volunteer then eased the vessel off the sandbank and out into safe water.
Given the isolated location and that the casualties’ change of dry clothes, car and trailer were located at the closest safe haven, Garrykennedy Harbour, the helm made the decision to take the vessel under an astern tow to Garrykennedy.
An RNLI volunteer remained on board the casualty vessel. The lifeboat informed Valentia Coast Guard of this decision.
The casualty vessel was safely tied alongside in Garrykennedy Harbour at 2:15pm. The lifeboat departed the scene and was back at the lifeboat station at 2:37pm.
Jeremy Freeman, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI, advises boat users to, “wear your lifejackets, and always carry a means of communication”.
