Lifeboat comes to rower's aid

On Sunday, August 16, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat to assist a rower at Parker's Point who was struggling with fatigue.

At 2.10pm lifeboat volunteers arrived on scene. The casualty had remained in his canoe and sought shelter close to the shore at Parker’s Point. Due to known hazards at the location, the helm asked the crew to prepare to anchor and veer down to rescue the casualty and take him to safety.

Once the casualty was safely onboard the lifeboat, RNLI volunteers brought in the canoe. The casualty was taken to Garrykennedy Harbour, where he was later met by friends.

Commenting on the callout, Aoife Kennedy, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI said: "The casualty made the correct decision to request immediate assistance when he realised he needed help. Remember, the RNLI advises rowers to row in company, check local weather before setting out, carry a reliable means of communication like a VHF radio or waterproof mobile phone, and know how to ‘Float to Live’ if capsized or immersed in cold or deep water."