Lough Derg RNLI Assists Speed Boat with Engine Failure Near Garrykennedy

Saturday 23 May 2026

Lough Derg RNLI volunteers launched on Friday evening after a speed boat suffered engine failure near Parker’s Point, southwest of Garrykennedy.

Photo Credit: RNLI/Lough Derg

The request to launch came from Valentia Coast Guard at 5:54pm on Friday 22 May. The RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm James Corballis and crew members Joe O’Donoghue, Chris Parker and Deirdre Gleeson on board.

Weather conditions at the time included a south-westerly Force 3 to 4 wind, with good visibility.

The lifeboat arrived on scene at 6:03pm to find that a passing cruiser had already come to the aid of the casualty vessel, an 18ft speed boat. The assisting vessel had taken the speed boat under an alongside tow after its anchor began dragging, preventing it from being pushed onto the nearby rocky shoreline.

The skipper of the casualty vessel was reported to be safe and unharmed and was wearing a lifejacket.

After assessing the situation, the RNLI helm spoke with the skipper of the assisting cruiser, who agreed to continue towing the vessel to the nearest safe harbour at Garrykennedy. Valentia Coast Guard was informed of the plan, with the RNLI lifeboat accompanying both vessels before taking over the tow through the harbour’s narrow channel.

The assisting cruiser was thanked for its support before continuing its journey north. The casualty vessel was safely secured alongside in Garrykennedy Harbour at 6:38pm.

The RNLI lifeboat departed the scene at 6:43pm and returned to station at 6:54pm. Volunteers then washed down and refuelled the lifeboat, making it ready again for service by 7:05pm.

Commenting on the callout, Aoife Kennedy, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI, said: “As the boating season has begun in earnest, we would remind boat users to ensure your vessel and engine are serviced. 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.”