Lifeboat called out

Valentia Coast Guard requested the assistance of the Lough Derg RNLI to two people on a 21ft motor boat aground north of the mouth of the Scariff River on Sunday afternoon. 

 

The volunteer crew with helm Eleanor Hooker, Joe O’Donoghue, Doireann Kennedy and Kjell Jimmy Gundergjerde launched in force 2 north northwest winds, with good visibility. The lifeboat took depth soundings as they approached the vessel, which was high on a shoal. A crew member transferred to the motor boat and found that the people on board were unharmed and well and were wearing their lifejackets.  

 

The RNLI volunteer checked the vessel and when he established that the hull was intact, he set up for a tow, The lifeboat took the vessel off the rocks and into safe water, where he ensured that the drives, steering and rudder were in good working order. The lifeboat stayed with the vessel until they were past the middle ground, then they continued their journey without further need for navigational assistance. 

 

Helm Eleanor Hooker advises boat users “to plan your passage and pay close attention to the navigational marks at the entrance to harbours and rivers on the lake”.