Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat rescues 40 people off 40 foot passenger vessel

Lough Derg RNLI has rescued 40 people off a 40 foot passenger vessel in Co Galway. 

Yesterday afternoon (March 18), Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to assist the vessel which ran aground on a rocky shoal off Bonaveen Point. 

At 1.20pm Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Eleanor Hooker and crew Doireann Kennedy and Oisín Higgins on board. 

Given the large number of people on board the casualty vessel, Valentia Coast Guard also requested Killaloe Coast Guard to launch. 

At 1.35pm the lifeboat could see the casualty vessel aground off Bonaveen Point and, using local knowledge and electronic navigation tools on board the lifeboat, the RNLI volunteers navigated around two shallow shoals to make a safe approach to the stern of the casualty vessel. 

The lifeboat was in constant VHF contact with Valentia Coast Guard and the casualty vessel.

The lifeboat asked if the casualty vessel was taking on any water and if there were any hazards visible in the water around the boat; the casualty vessel said they were not taking on any water and informed the RNLI crew that there was a significant hazard on their starboard side. 

The lifeboat came alongside the port side of the casualty vessel and volunteers established that all on board were safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets. 

Given the number of casualties on board, the location and the weather conditions on the lake, the RNLI lifeboat helm made the decision to take the vessel off the shoal. 

The RNLI lifeboat asked if the Killaoe Coast Guard would come alongside the lifeboat’s port side and take some of the passengers off to lighten the casualty vessel.

Six passengers were transferred across to the Killaloe Coast Guard vessel.

An RNLI volunteer boarded the casualty vessel to set up a bridle and prepare the vessel for tow off the rocks. 

With the casualty vessel off the rocky shoal, the lifeboat advised the casualty vessel to centre its rudder and make any adjustments necessary to follow directly behind the lifeboat; the casualty vessel had no apparent damage to its engine or props and was now able to make way under its own power. 

Once in safe water the lifeboat brought the casualty vessel alongside to release lines.

The Killaloe Coast Guard returned to the scene and with the Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat accompanied the casualty vessel to the safety of Castle Harbour at Portumna. 

Peter Kennedy, Deputy Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI commended both Lough Derg RNLI and Killaloe Coast Guard "for their swift response and excellent teamwork in affecting a challenging rescue in testing conditions".