Lough Derg RNLI Assists Two People After Cruiser Breaks Down on River Shannon

Wednesday 20 May 2026

Volunteers from the RNLI at Lough Derg RNLI launched to assist two people aboard a 30ft motor cruiser that suffered engine failure on the River Shannon near Ballymacegan Island.

Photo Credit: RNLI/Lough Derg

The callout came earlier today, Wednesday 20 May, when Valentia Coast Guard requested the lifeboat launch to aid the vessel, which was reported to be south of Ballymacegan Island and north of Sally Island, approximately five nautical miles above Portumna Bridge.

At 3:50pm, the Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with volunteer helm James Corballis and crew members Owen Cavanagh, Paraic Slattery and Deirdre Gleeson on board. Weather conditions at the time were favourable, with a south-westerly Force 2 wind and good visibility.

To allow the lifeboat access upriver, Valentia Coast Guard and the RNLI crew coordinated with Fergal Kearney, Lock and Bridge Keeper at Portumna Bridge, to arrange the opening of the bridge.

As the lifeboat approached the northern end of the lake, Valentia Coast Guard informed the crew that the casualty vessel had already been taken under tow by a passing cruiser and was making its way downriver towards Portumna Bridge. The RNLI crew was asked to continue to the scene to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the two people on board.

The lifeboat located the cruiser as it was being safely moored in a harbour just north of Portumna Bridge. RNLI volunteers confirmed that both individuals on board were safe and unharmed.

Following the assessment, the crew relayed their findings to Valentia Coast Guard. The lifeboat departed the scene at 4:13pm and returned to station at 4:52pm. Volunteers then washed down and refuelled the lifeboat, making it ready for service again by 5:00pm.

Commenting on the callout, Aoife Kennedy, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI, said:

“As the boating season begins, 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.”