The Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat once again came to the rescue of a cruiser which had suffered engine failure, and become stranded on rocks.
On Sunday afternoon, shortly before 5pm, the lifeboat was called out at the request of Valentia Coast Guard.
A 25ft cruiser with two people aboard had run aground at Ryan’s Point on the eastern shore of Lough Derg.
Coming on the stricken vessel within minutes of launching, one volunteer swam over to the cruiser, taking a tow line with him, while the lifeboat waited in safe waters.
The people on board were found to be safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets.
They had been motor sailing when the engine failed. Even though they dropped anchor, it dragged along the lakebed, and the boat drifted into the rocky shore.
As the yacht was not hard aground, an RNLI volunteer was able to ease the vessel into safe water and attach a tow line from the lifeboat.
The lifeboat escorted the cruiser back to Dromineer Harbour, where they arrived around 7pm that evening.
Christine O’Malley, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Lough Derg RNLI, advises “as the boating season starts in earnest, remember to have your engine serviced”.
“If you are alone on the water, tell someone your plans and what time you expect to arrive at your destination”.
