Volunteers intervene as motor on sailors' boat fails in Clare

LIFEBOAT volunteers came to the aid of two people who experienced an engine failure on their motorboat.

Valentia Coastguard requested support from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) based in Lough Derg to assist two people.

They had anchored at Young Island in Scarriff Bay, but were unable to move due to the fact the engine did not work.

Just after 1pm, the lifeboat Jean Spier was launched by helm Eleanor Hooker and crew Doireann Kennedy, Chris Parker and Ciara Lynch on board.

At approximately 1.24pm the lifeboat located the casualty vessel at anchor on the eastern shore.

An RNLI volunteer transferred across to the casualty vessel where the people on board were found to be safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets.

Given the location and the weather forecast, the helm made the decision to take the vessel under tow to safe harbour.

Aoife Kennedy, deputy launching authority at Lough Derg RNLI advises boat users to carry a means of communication and if they do find yourself in difficulty dial 112 or 999 and ask for marine rescue.