Lough Derg RNLI Assists Motor Cruiser with Engine Failure Near Terryglass
- Pat Nolan
- Jun 13
- 2 min read
Saturday 13 June 2026
TERRYGLASS, Co Tipperary - Lough Derg RNLI volunteers came to the aid of four people aboard a 35ft motor cruiser after the vessel suffered engine failure near Terryglass Harbour on Friday evening, 12 June.
The request for assistance came from Valentia Coast Guard, which tasked Lough Derg RNLI to launch to a vessel that was at anchor close to Terryglass Harbour following an engine breakdown.
At 6:25pm, the Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with volunteer helm Owen Cavanagh and crew members Steve Smyth and Joe O’Donoghue on board. Conditions at the time were challenging, with a southerly Force 4 to 5 wind and frequent squalls, although visibility remained good.
The lifeboat arrived on scene at 6:52pm and found the casualty vessel afloat and securely held by its anchor. A local marine engineer, who had responded in his Dory motor boat, remained alongside the vessel until the RNLI crew arrived and provided them with a report on the situation.
Following an assessment, the RNLI helm decided that the safest course of action was to escort the casualty vessel to the nearby harbour at Terryglass. The decision took into account the late hour, the vessel’s proximity to a busy navigation route, the prevailing weather conditions, and the potential for a further emergency callout if the vessel remained at anchor.
An RNLI volunteer transferred to the casualty vessel, where he found all four occupants safe, unharmed and wearing lifejackets. After explaining the rescue plan, he prepared the vessel for an astern tow.
The operation concluded successfully when the motor cruiser was brought safely alongside at Terryglass Harbour at 7:25pm. The lifeboat departed the scene five minutes later and returned to station at 7:56pm. Following the callout, the crew washed down and refuelled the lifeboat, which was ready for service again by 8:23pm.
Commenting on the incident, Greg Whelan, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI, said:
"We would remind boat users to ensure you check your engine, fuel and the weather forecast before embarking on your journey. If you get into difficulty or see somebody else in trouble on the water, dial 999 or 112 or use VHF radio Channel 16 and ask for the Coast Guard."
