Dromineer-based lifeboat in action again

The Dromineer-based RNLI Lifeboat crew had two callouts on the lake in recent days.

At the request of Valentia Coast Guard, Lough Derg RNLI was called out to assist four people on a 23ft cruiser with engine failure, reported to be pushed onto rocks behind Holy Island in Scarriff Bay on Thursday night of last week.

The RNLI lifeboat, ‘Jean Spier’, launched with helm Eleanor Hooker, and crew members Owen Cavanagh, Keith Brennan and Doireann Kennedy on board.
The wind was southerly, Force 3, gusting Force 5. Visibility was poor with failing light, low mist and heavy rain squalls. Valentia Coast Guard also requested Rescue 115, the Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue Helicopter based at Shannon, to assist. 

As the lifeboat passed Holy Island, RNLI volunteers spotted a SOS light signal from the shore, in an area known as the Black Rocks.

The skipper of the cruiser had deployed his anchor, but the boat had been pushed into a dangerous and rocky area of shore. 

Once the lifeboat crew decided on their rescue plan they informed the Coast Guard, who stood down Rescue 115, which was flying overhead.  

At 9.30pm the lifeboat was alongside the casualty vessel. They found two adults and two teenagers on board, safe and unharmed, and wearing their lifejackets.
An RNLI volunteer transferred to the casualty vessel and, when satisfied it was not holed, the vessel was taken off the rocks and into safe water and towed to safety in Mountshannon Harbour at 10.33pm. 

Keith Brennan, Trainee Helm at Lough Derg RNLI, commended the quick actions of the skipper on the casualty vessel.
“He did everything correctly. He  deployed the anchor once his engine failed and called for help, using light signals to indicate his position to the lifeboat.”
 

CALLOUT TO GARRYKENNEDY

Then on Sunday, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI to go to the assistance of three people, an adult and two children on a 15ft RIB reported by a member of the public to be in difficulty close to Garrykennedy Harbour.

At 5.54pm the RNLI lifeboat,　’Jean Spier’, launched with helm Ger Egan, and crew members Keith Brennan, Steve Smyth and Doireann Kennedy on board.
The wind was southerly, Force 1/2. Visibility was very good.

At 6.13pm, following a thorough search of the area, a member of the public informed the volunteer crew that the reported vessel and its passengers were all safe and the RIB back in its boathouse.

When the RNLI lifeboat reported its findings, Valentia Coast Guard stood down the lifeboat.

The lifeboat departed the scene and was back at Station at 6.21pm.

Christine O’Malley, Deputy Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI, speaking afterwards commented: “Though this callout, made in good faith, was a false alarm, we ask that if you are in difficulty or suspect someone else to be in difficulty, please call 999 or 112 and ask for marine rescue.”