RNLI volunteers rescue stranded skipper in severe conditions on Lough Derg
- Pat Nolan
- 11 hours ago
- 2 min read
Saturday 11 April 2026
On Friday, 10 April, volunteers from Lough Derg RNLI launched to assist a lone skipper whose 28ft motor cruiser had run aground in hazardous conditions on Lough Derg.
The request for assistance came from Valentia Coast Guard, reporting that the vessel was stranded south of the Rabbit Islands in Rossmore Bay, along the County Galway shoreline. At 4:20pm, the lifeboat Jean Spier launched with volunteers Steve Smyth, Owen Cavanagh, and James Corballis on board.
Weather conditions were extremely challenging. A strong south-southeast wind, reaching Force 6 to Force 7 with gusts, combined with poor visibility and frequent heavy hail squalls, made navigation particularly difficult. Despite this, the crew quickly located the casualty vessel at 4:35pm, grounded on a well-known and dangerous rocky shoal inside navigation marker F.
Carefully plotting a safe approach through an area scattered with submerged hazards, the RNLI navigator guided the helm toward the stranded vessel. With rocks surrounding both boats, the crew deployed an anchor and skillfully manoeuvred to within four metres of the casualty.
The skipper, who was wearing a lifejacket and unharmed, had lost propulsion and had been driven onto the rocks by strong winds. Given the treacherous conditions, the lifeboat could not come any closer. Instead, the crew established a secure line between the two vessels. A second line was then passed and fastened around the skipper.
At the right moment, both the skipper and an RNLI crew member entered the shallow water. Using the guide rope, the skipper carefully made his way to the lifeboat, where he was safely assisted aboard.
Once the rescue was complete, the crew retrieved their anchor and navigated away from the hazardous area. The skipper was then transported across the lake to Coolbawn Quay on the Tipperary shore, where he had left his car.
The lifeboat departed the scene at 5:43pm and returned safely to station at 6:10pm, concluding a successful rescue carried out in demanding and dangerous conditions.
Commenting on the callout, Peter Kennedy, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI said: ‘I commend the skilled and successful rescue by the RNLI volunteers under such testing conditions. Thankfully the casualty was wearing his lifejacket and had called for assistance as soon as he found himself in difficulty. We would remind boat users to ensure you check 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.’
