Lough Derg RNLI rescues three after cruiser runs aground in Scarriff Bay
- Pat Nolan
- 21 hours ago
- 2 min read
Monday 7 September 2026
Three people were rescued by Lough Derg RNLI on Sunday afternoon after their 33ft cruiser suffered engine failure and ran aground in Scarriff Bay, near Mountshannon Harbour.
Valentia Coast Guard requested the assistance of Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat following the incident on Sunday, 6 September.
Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat Jean Spier launched at 3.46pm with Helm Steve Smyth and crew members Paraic Slattery, Tom Hayes and Chris Parker on board.
At the time, south-westerly winds were Force 3, gusting Force 5, with heavy squalls. Visibility was mostly good but reduced to moderate during periods of rain and squally weather.
The lifeboat arrived at the casualty vessel at 4.01pm. As the cruiser was aground, Helm Steve Smyth made the decision to anchor the lifeboat and veer back towards the casualty vessel to safely recover all three people on board.
It was established that everyone on the cruiser was safe and unharmed and that all three were wearing their lifejackets.
Once the lifeboat was positioned at the safest possible close distance, the RNLI crew heaved a line to the skipper and asked him to secure it to a cleat on the cruiser. The other end was secured to the lifeboat.
The helm then briefed the three people on the transfer, asking them to use the line as a guide as they made their way from the casualty vessel to the lifeboat.
All three were safely transferred on board Jean Spier.
The helm subsequently decided to bring the rescued people to Dromineer, where support and transport were waiting for them.
Commenting on the callout, Jeremy Freeman, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI, said:
“The casualties made the correct decision to request immediate assistance when they realised they needed help.
“Remember, the RNLI advises lake users to check local weather before setting out, carry a reliable means of communication like a VHF radio or waterproof mobile phone, and know how to ‘Float to Live’ if capsized or immersed in cold or deep water.”
