Cruiser suffers engine failure on lake

On Friday evening, July 26, Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat launched to assist three people on a 32ft cruiser that had suffered engine failure following engine overheat. The vessel was reported to be at anchor south of the Mountaineer Buoy.

At 7.30pm the lifeboat came alongside the casualty vessel. All three people on board were safe and wearing their lifejackets. The skipper explained to the RNLI volunteers that when their engine had overheated, they immediately switched it off and deployed their anchor. They had checked the engine housing and the engine was cooled when the lifeboat arrived.

An RNLI volunteer transferred across to the casualty vessel. Given the vessel’s location on the navigation route, progressive nightfall and the possibility of initiating another emergency response should the vessel be left where it was, the helm made the decision to take the vessel under an astern tow to the nearest safe haven at Garrykennedy Harbour. The lifeboat informed Valentia Coast Guard of this decision. At 7.50pm the lifeboat had the casualty vessel under tow to Garrykennedy.

Killaloe Coast Guard land and water units were also deployed from their base at Killaloe. The Killaloe Coast Guard confirmed that there was space at the pontoon immediately inside the breakwater at Garrykennedy Harbour. The Killaloe Coast Guard land unit assisted with lines when berthing the casualty vessel in Garrykennedy. The casualty vessel was safely tied alongside at 8.20pm

Jeremy Freeman, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI, advises boat users to “make sure your engine is serviced before you set out and if in difficulty dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard”.