Lough Derg RNLI assists lone skipper on 33ft yacht with engine failure

Monday 13 October 2025

Earlier today, Monday 13 October, following an alert from a member of the public, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to launch to assist a lone skipper on a 33ft motor cruiser with engine failure at a location close to Drominagh Point.

Photo Credit: RNLI/Lough Derg

At 12:39pm Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Eleanor Hooker, navigator James Corballis, crew Joe O’Donoghue and Paraic Slattery on board. The wind was south-easterly Force 3 to 4. Visibility was fair with an autumnal haze mapping the length of the lake.

Using the coordinates given to the lifeboat by Valentia Coast Guard, and RADAR to monitor the traffic on the lake, at 12:59pm RNLI volunteers identified the casualty vessel above the Hagan Navigation buoy. The skipper of the vessel had dropped anchor to prevent being pushed onto the rocky western shore.

Given the remote location, the poor visibility and the known hazards at the scene, and with the possibility of initiating another rescue callout should the casualty vessel be left where it was, the helm made the decision to take the vessel under an astern tow and across the narrow stretch of lake to the safest safe haven at Kilgarvin Harbour. The lifeboat communicated the plan to Valentia Coast Guard.

Two RNLI volunteers transferred across to the cruiser to prepare it to be taken under tow and to lift the anchor when instructed.

At 2:08pm the casualty vessel was safely tied alongside at Kilgarvin Harbour. The lifeboat departed the scene and was back at Station at 2:18pm.

Commenting on the callout, Jeremy Freeman, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI said: ‘The skipper kept safe by wearing their lifejacket, by dropping anchor and swiftly calling for help once they recognised an issue with their engine. We would remind anyone planning a trip on the lake that if you get into difficulty or see somebody else in trouble on the water, dial 999 or 112 or use VHF radio CH 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.’