Callout for Lough Derg lifeboat

On Wednesday afternoon Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to to assist two people on a 30ft motor cruiser with engine failure at a location south of Ballymacegan Island and north of Sally Island, above Portumna Bridge on the River Shannon.

At 3.50pm Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with its team of volunteers. As the lifeboat neared the northern end of the lake, Valentia Coast Guard informed the RNLI crew that the casualty vessel had been taken under tow by a passing cruiser and was making way downriver to Portumna Bridge. Valentia Coast Guard requested the lifeboat proceed to ensure all was well with the two casualties on board.

The lifeboat located the cruiser being moored alongside at safe harbour just north of Por-tumna Bridge. RNLI crew found the two people on board to be safe and well.

Commenting on the callout, Aoife Kennedy, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI said: “As the boating season begins, we would remind boat users to ensure your vessel and engine are serviced. If you get into difficulty or see somebody else in trouble on the water, dial 999 or 112 or use VHF radio Channel 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.”