The Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat rescued a family of four aboard a boat with engine failure in rough waters and heavy weather this week.
The lifeboat was called out by Valentia Coast Guard around 5pm on Thursday, to assist a 43ft cruiser suffering engine failure.
The lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Steve Smyth, Keith Brennan and Chris Parker on board.
Weather conditions on the lake were rough, with westerly winds Force 4 gusting 5 and good visibility.
At 5.15pm the lifeboat arrived on scene having located the vessel midway between Garrykennedy and Ryan’s Point at Youghal Bay.
All four people on board were safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets. An RNLI volunteer transferred across to the casualty vessel and reported back to the helm that the engines were overheating.
Given the weather conditions and location, the helm decided to take the vessel under tow to the safety of Garrykennedy public harbour.
The boat was brought safely back to harbour shortly after 6pm that same evening, and the lifeboat returned to its station.
Jeremy Freeman, Deputy Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI advises boat users to, “ensure your engines are serviced and that you have a means of communication should you get into difficulty on the water”.
