RNLI Lough Derg

16/06/2026

Lough Derg RNLI volunteers assist 5 people on a 32ft cruiser with engine failure


Earlier today, Tuesday 16 June, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to launch to assist 5 people on a 32ft motor cruiser, with engine failure and at anchor north of Illaunmore.


At 1:05pm Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with volunteer helm Chris Parker and crew James Corballis and Owen Cavanagh on board. The wind was south-westerly, Force 2 to3. Visibility was good.

At 1:14pm the lifeboat arrived on scene. All on board the casualty vessel were safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets.

Given the location, close to a main navigation route, and the possibility of another callout should the vessel be left where it was and with no other traffic on the water at the time, the helm made the decision to assist the casualty vessel to the closest safe harbour at Dromineer. The lifeboat informed the Coast Guard of this decision.

An RNLI volunteer transferred across to the casualty vessel and explained the plan before he prepared the cruiser for an astern tow. The RNLI crew recovered the anchor when instructed to by the lifeboat.

At 2:10pm, the casualty vessel was safely tied alongside at Dromineer Harbour. At 2:15pm the lifeboat departed the scene to return to station. The lifeboat was washed down and refuelled and ready for service at 2:38pm

Commenting on the callout, Christine O’Malley, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Lough Derg RNLI said: ‘We would remind boat users to ensure you check you engine and fuel 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.’

Ends


Notes to editors
• Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat station has been operating since 2004. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/lough-derg-lifeboat-station
• A photo of Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat can be viewed at: https://www.facebook.com/RNLILoughDerg/

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Eleanor Ho**er, Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer at Eleanor_Ho**[email protected] or Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 0876483547 [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 0871254124 or [email protected]

RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media
resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the
RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.

Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 46 lifeboat stations in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, the charity has saved over 142,700 lives.

12/06/2026

Lough Derg RNLI volunteers assist 4 people on a 35ft cruiser with engine failure


Earlier this evening, Friday 12 June, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to launch to assist 4 people on a 35ft motor cruiser, with engine failure and at anchor close to Terryglass Harbour.


At 6:25pm Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with volunteer helm Owen Cavanagh and crew Steve Smyth and Joe O’Donoghue on board. The wind was southerly with frequent squalla, Force 4 to 5. Visibility was good.

At 6:52pm the lifeboat arrived on scene. It was evident that the casualty vessel was floating and its anchor holding. A marine engineer in his Dory motor boat had remained alongside the casualty vessel until the lifeboat arrived. As lifeboat stood off to assess the situation, the engineer gave the RNLI volunteers a report of his findings.

Given the location, close to a main navigation route, the weather conditions, and the possibility of another callout should the vessel be left where it was, the helm made the decision to assist the casualty vessel to the closest safe harbour at Terryglass.

An RNLI volunteer transferred across to the casualty vessel and found all on board safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets. He explained the plan and proceeded to prepare the casualty vessel for an astern tow.

At 7:25pm, the casualty vessel was tied alongside at Terryglass Harbour. At 7:30pm the lifeboat departed the scene and was back at station at 7:56pm. The lifeboat was washed down and refuelled and ready for service at 8:23pm

Commenting on the callout, Greg Whelan, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI said: ‘We would remind boat users to ensure you check you engine, fuel and 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.’

Ends



Notes to editors
• Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat station has been operating since 2004. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/lough-derg-lifeboat-station
• A photo of Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat can be viewed at: https://www.facebook.com/RNLILoughDerg/

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Eleanor Ho**er, Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on Eleanor_Ho**[email protected] or Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 0876483547 [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 0871254124 or [email protected]

RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media
resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the
RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.

Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 46 lifeboat stations in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, the charity has saved over 142,700 lives.

12/06/2026

We wish Denis Ryan and Chris Parker, volunteers RNLI Lough Derg every success on their Crew Emergency Course at the RNLI College in Poole.

The Crew Emergency Procedures (CEP) course is an intensive, hands-on sea survival training program for volunteer crews, held at the RNLI College Sea Survival Centre in Poole, Dorset.

The course equips volunteer lifesavers with crucial real-world survival skills for maritime emergencies.

The 2 day course uses a world-class storm simulator pool to replicate realistic day and night sea conditions—complete with waves, thunder, lightning, and wind machines.

Key skills practiced include: Sea Survival Swimming & Lifejackets: Jumping into the water from a 5-meter platform, properly deploying lifejackets, and surviving in rough simulated sea elements.

Volunteers Learn how to right capsized rafts, group together in the water, and climb aboard while managing hypothermia and sea-sickness.

Crew are also given practical instruction on handling onboard fires and using emergency flares and safety equipment.

Capsize Drills include re-righting inshore lifeboats - B and D class lifeboats.

09/06/2026

🌊Successful passouts for Lough Derg RNLI volunteers: Paraic Slattery, Crew and Eleanor Ho**er, Lifeboat Press Officer🌊


RNLI Lough Derg is delighted to announce that this evening, Tuesday 09 June, Paraic Slattery was passed out as Crew by Lenny Fourie, RNLI Coastal Lifeboat Trainer. Earlier, Eleanor Ho**er, Lifeboat Press Officer, successfully passed her 5 year assessment by Siobhan McGarry, RNLI Media Trainer.


Having successfully passed his Tier 2 assessment, both in theory and on the water this evening, Paraic Slattery has been qualified as Crew for Lough Derg RNLI by Lenny Fourie, RNLI Coastal Lifeboat Trainer.

This achievement marks a significant milestone in Paraic’s training, and represents the culmination of over 18 months of dedicated study and afloat exercises.

The assessment involved a rigorous theory examination in the classroom, followed by a practical, scenario-based exercise afloat. During the evaluation, Paraic demonstrated proficiency in seamanship and navigation, including course plotting, watchkeeping, an understanding of maritime regulations, boat handling, and emergency procedures.

As a Captain on the Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue Helicopter, Paraic is familiar with the demands and requirements for his role as RNLI crew, and can now, should he wish, pursue further specialised roles within the station, including training as a Navigator or Helm.


Earlier today, Eleanor Ho**er, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Lough Derg RNLI, successfully completed her five-year assessment with RNLI Media Trainer Siobhan McGarry.

This assessment forms part of the RNLI’s competency-based evaluation process for volunteer Lifeboat Press Officers.

As part of the assessment, Eleanor submitted a comprehensive presentation to Siobhan in advance of their meeting, demonstrating all aspects of her role as Lough Derg RNLI’s media representative. This includes promoting the charity’s lifesaving work and fundraising activities, handling media enquiries relating to emergency call-outs, maintaining strong relationships with local and regional media, and ensuring accurate and timely communication on behalf of the station.

Following a detailed review of her submission and discussion of her role, Eleanor successfully met the required standards and was passed in her assessment.


Christine O’Malley, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Lough Derg RNLI says “I am delighted for Paraic and Eleanor and congratulate them on their successful passouts. This is a really positive milestone for the station. Paraic’s passout as Crew strengthens our operational capability and reflects our strong training culture and commitment to excellence at Lough Derg RNLI. Eleanor’s successful assessment recognises her continued commitment and professionalism in representing Lough Derg RNLI and the wider RNLI”.

RNLI

04/06/2026

As life and work have taken Ciara Lynch farther afield, she has made the difficult decision to step down as Crew on the Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat.

Ciara became a volunteer with the RNLI in the summer of 2021. She says she always wanted to support a charity and was encouraged to join Lough Derg RNLI by her Dad, Pat, a volunteer with the charity for 10 years, and by her friends and neighbours who are also RNLI volunteers on and off the water.

On stepping down as a lifeboat woman, Ciara says ‘I’ve loved being involved with the lifeboats and am grateful for all the friendships, support and experiences it’s given me over the years. I have also learned more than I could ever have imagined. The RNLI will always be part of my life; I have made forever friends. It was amazing to be part of the RNLI community”

Ciara’s fellow volunteers are sorry to see her move on, and say it was ‘an absolute joy to volunteer alongside her’, praising her ‘commitment and dedication’ and admiring her ‘groundedness and inimitable sense of humour, integrity and authenticity’.

As a Primary School teacher, Ciara says she uses ‘elements of what I’ve learned every year in my teaching too, to explain so many topics or the curriculum, as it touches every subject - teamwork, safety, community, friendships, communication. All the kids in school are aware of the lifeboat too, and got to know the sound of the pager from the tests on Mondays’.

The volunteers at Lough Derg RNLI would like to wish our friend every happiness and success, and to assure her of a warm welcome any time at the station. RNLI

04/06/2026

🛟Our RNLI water safety team is inviting all primary schools to join a FREE 45 minute webinar ahead of summer. You can choose from three dates, Thursday, 18 June, Tuesday, 23 June or Friday 26 June, with each running from 10-10.45am.

The webinar will cover key water safety messages to help children have fun and stay safe in and around the water. This is an ideal refresher for primary school students just before the summer break. The webinar will be 30 minutes of learning, followed by 15 minutes for any questions.

Register here - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-rnli-water-safety-webinar-for-primary-schools-ireland-tickets-1990465148842?aff=oddtdtcreator



Tá foireann Shábháilteachta Uisce an RNLI in Éirinn ag iarraidh ar gach bunscoil in Éirinn freastal ar sheimineár ghréasáin saor in aisce ag tosnú ar Dé Luain 22/6/26 agus ag críochnú Dé hAoine 26/6/26 10 r.n.- 10.45 r.n. gach lá.

Beimid ag plé teachtaireachtaí tábhachtacha maidir le sábháilteacht uisce chun páistí a choimead slán agus spraoi a bheith acu. Is deis foirfe é seo dul siar ar shábháilteacht uisce roimh an sos samhraidh. Beidh 30 nóiméad foghlaim, agus 15 nóiméad le haghaidh ceisteanna.



Is iad na dataí ná:

As Gaeilge: Dé Luain 22/6/26, Dé Céadaoin 24/6/26, Dé hAoine 26/6/26

Cláraigh anseo -

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-rnli-water-safety-webinar-for-primary-schools-irish-tickets-1990466784735?aff=oddtdtcreator

27/05/2026

‼️Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and RNLI issue water safety advice ahead of June Bank Holiday‼️

Ahead of the June Bank Holiday weekend, the Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI are urging the public to stay safe if planning an activity on or near the water.

While air temperatures are warmer, sea and inland water temperatures remain low. This contrast can present a hidden but serious risk of cold water shock and hypothermia to anyone entering or unexpectedly falling into the water.

Even on warm, sunny days, water temperatures are often below 15°C, cold enough to trigger cold water shock. This sudden reaction can cause involuntary gasping, panic, and loss of breathing control, greatly increasing the risk of drowning.

While a large number of people are expected to visit the coast or inland waterways over the bank holiday weekend, for many this will be their first dip of the season.
🛟Remember to enter the water slowly, splash yourself to acclimatise, keep your dips short and stay within your depth.

🛟Don’t go alone, swim with others, always stay together, and ensure everyone leaves the water safely.

If you’re planning an activity in or on the water, remember:
🗺️Check weather and tides before heading out, and carry a means of calling for help such as a fully charged mobile phone

🛟 Always wear a correctly fitted and serviced lifejacket or buoyancy aid

🛟 Avoid alcohol as it impairs judgement, coordination, and reaction time

🛟 Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

If you fall into the water unexpectedly or get into difficulty, remember:
Float to Live
🌊Stay calm and fight any instinct to panic or thrash around

🌊 Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged

🌊 Relax and try to breathe normally

🌊 Move your hands and feet to help you stay afloat. It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently

🌊 Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, call for help or raise your hand or swim to safety if you are able.

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast or think that they are in trouble, use marine VHF radio Ch 16 or dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

22/05/2026

‼️Lough Derg RNLI assists a person on an 18ft speed boat with engine failure


Earlier today, Friday 22 May, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to launch to assist a person on an 18ft speed boat with engine failure at Parker's Point, southwest of Garrykennedy.


At 5:54pm Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with volunteers, helm James Corballis and crew Joe O’Donoghue, Chris Parker and Deirdre Gleeson on board. The wind was south-westerly, Force 3 to 4. Visibility was good.

At 6:03pm, the lifeboat arrived on scene. A passing cruiser had taken the casualty vessel under an alongside tow to prevent them being pushed on to the rocky shore as their anchor was dragging. The skipper of the casualty vessel was safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejacket.
The RNLI helm spoke to the skipper of the assisting vessel, who was happy to continue the tow to the safest close harbour at Garrykennedy.

The lifeboat informed Valentia Coast Guard of the plan to accompany both vessels to Garrykennedy, where the lifeboat would take over the tow through the narrow channel into the harbour.

The assisting vessel was thanked and continued its passage north. The casualty vessel was safely tied alongside at 6:38pm.

At 6:43pm the lifeboat departed the scene and was back at station at 6:54pm. The lifeboat was washed down, refuelled and ready for service by 7:05pm.


Commenting on the callout, Aoife Kennedy, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI said: ‘As the boating season has begun in earnest, we would remind boat users to ensure your vessel and engine are serviced. 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.’


Ends



Notes to editors
Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat station has been operating since 2004. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/lough-derg-lifeboat-station
A photo of Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat can be viewed at: https://www.facebook.com/RNLILoughDerg/

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Eleanor Ho**er, Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on Eleanor_Ho**[email protected] or Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 0876483547 [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 0871254124 or [email protected]

RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media
resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the
RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.

Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 46 lifeboat stations in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, the charity has saved over 142,700 lives.

21/05/2026

🛟 Float to Live could save your life. 🛟

Cold water shock can happen to anyone, even strong swimmers. If you unexpectedly find yourself in the water, your first instinct may be to panic but knowing what to do could make all the difference.

‼️ Remember:
🌊Tilt your head back with your ears submerged.
🌊 Relax and try to control your breathing.
🌊 Use your hands to help you stay afloat.
🌊 It’s okay if your legs sink, we all float differently.

Practice these steps at a supervised location, like a swimming pool or lifeguarded beach so you know what to do in an emergency.

Take a moment to learn it. Share it with family and friends. One simple technique could save a life.

21/05/2026

Podcast - Episode 263: Irish Coast Guard and RNLI Save 14 from the Fishing Vessel FASTNET

"Featuring voices from Dispatch - Denis O’Leary, ground team - Carol Leahy, RNLI Volunteer Rescue Boat Crew - Sean Curtin and Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Crewmen - Paraic Slattery [SAR Captain & RNLI Crew at RNLI Lough Derg] and Jim O’Neill. The team walks through the mission step by step, sharing the real-time challenges they faced, the critical decisions made under pressure, and the coordination required to bring the operation to a successful conclusion.

They explain how teamwork, communication, and rapid decision-making proved essential as conditions evolved as the vessel was being battered against the rocks. The crew reflects on the interagency collaboration that kept the mission on track, and the moment the outcome became clear: 14 lives safely rescued.

It’s a powerful look at the professionalism and partnership required when multiple rescue organizations come together in the face of uncertainty—and how preparation and trust turn chaos into a save."

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn dives into a dramatic multi-agency rescue off the coast of Di**le, Ireland, where the fishing vess...