Lough Derg RNLI rescues a distressed lone sailor stranded on a sandbank near Dromineer
The RNLI were called in action in Lough Derg
A lone sailor was brought to safety earlier this afternoon after his 21ft yacht ran aground on a sandbank northeast of Dromineer in Tipperary.
The rescue operation was carried out by Lough Derg RNLI following a report from a concerned member of the public on shore.
The alert was received shortly before 12:30pm, prompting Valentia Coast Guard to request immediate assistance from the RNLI.
At 12:29pm, the Jean Spier lifeboat launched with helm Steve Smyth and crew members Joe O’Donoghue, James Corballis, and Chris Parker on board. Weather conditions at the time included a south-westerly wind at Force 3, gusting to Force 4, with good visibility.
Within minutes, the lifeboat crew located the stranded vessel resting on a sandbank close to the shoreline. The sailor, who had wisely dropped anchor to prevent further drift, was found safe, unharmed, and wearing a lifejacket.
An RNLI volunteer waded ashore to assess the situation and confirmed there was no damage to the yacht’s hull and no ingress of water.
Due to the yacht’s vulnerable position and the potential risk of requiring another emergency response, the decision was made to tow the vessel off the sandbank.
Under an astern tow, the lifeboat brought the yacht to deeper water before switching to a alongside tow for the final leg into Dromineer Harbour — the nearest safe haven. The vessel was securely moored by 12:52pm.
The lifeboat returned to station and was ready for service again by 1:02pm.
Christine O’Malley, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Lough Derg RNLI, praised the swift coordination of the rescue and reminded all water users to "always carry a means of communication with you, and should you get into difficulties, call 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard."