RNLI Jean Spier in Lough Derg. Photo: RNLI.
A family of four were rescued from a boat reported to be on fire on Lough Derg this afternoon.
Valentia Coast Guard, Killaloe Coast Guard and crew members from Lough Derg RNLI responded to the incident earlier today.
A 28ft cruiser was reported to be on fire, with Valentia Cost Guard requesting the RNLI to launch to assist the family.
Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Eleanor Hooker, crew Doireann Kennedy, Joe O’Donoghue and Tom Hayes on board.
The family were safe, unharmed and wearing their lifejackets when they were transferred onto an 18ft fishing boat which was standing off close by.
The skipper of the casualty vessel informed the lifeboat crew when they arrived that there had been smoke and an acrid smell from the engine housing.
He immediately shut down the engine, later finding a piece of cloth was in contact with the exhaust system and identified it as the source of the smoke and smell.
One adult and two infants were taken onto the lifeboat from the fishing vessel. It was to accompany the casualty vessel to Dromineer Harbor with the skipper and RNLI volunteer on board.
The woman and both children were later transferred to a Coast Guard lifeboat following an engine failure on the casualty vessel and taken ahead to Dromineer, where it was safely tied at 1.44pm.
Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Christine O’Malley advised boat users to have their boats fully serviced.
“As we are now heading into the summer season, remember to have your vessel fully serviced before embarking on your journey,” she said.
“If you find yourself in difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
