Killaloe Coast Guard responds to two separate call-outs on Saturday afternoon

Saturday 1 August 2026

Killaloe Coast Guard Unit responded to two separate incidents on Lough Derg on Saturday afternoon (1 August), assisting two vessels experiencing difficulties north of Killaloe.

Photo: Killaloe Coast Guard Unit

The first call-out came at 3:10pm, when the unit was tasked to assist a 40-foot cruiser with five people on board approximately 1km north of Killaloe.

After locating the casualty vessel, a Coast Guard crew member was transferred aboard to assess the situation. A towline was established and the cruiser was safely towed back to Killaloe, where it was secured alongside with the assistance of the unit's shore team. The incident concluded with all crew members back at base by 5:00pm.

Just over an hour later, at 6:10pm, the unit's pagers sounded for a second time. The crew was tasked to launch and assist a 14-foot powerboat with engine failure in the Ballyvally area, north of Killaloe.

When the Coast Guard boat arrived on scene, the vessel, carrying three people, was drifting towards shallow water. All three occupants were safe, well and wearing lifejackets.

The three casualties were transferred aboard the Coast Guard boat while their vessel was taken under tow to Ballina slipway. With the assistance of the shore team, the powerboat was safely recovered from the water.

The operation concluded with all crews back at base and stood down by 7:30pm.

Killaloe Coast Guard has reminded all boat users to ensure their vessels are properly maintained, to carry the appropriate safety equipment, and to always wear a lifejacket while afloat.