Six people including kids rescued from lake amid warning from RNLI

Six people have been rescued by the RNLI after their boat engine failed on Lough Derg.

On Tuesday, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to launch to assist 6 people on a 31ft cruiser with engine failure and at anchor on the west shore of Lough Derg between Williamstown and Drummaan.

An RNLI statement read: "At 6.54pm Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Dom Sharkey, crew Chris Parker, Tom Hayes and Oisín Higgins on board. The wind was westerly Force 4. Visibility was good.

"At 7.06pm the lifeboat came alongside the casualty vessel. All 6 people on board were safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets.

"Given the isolated location, the hour and that there were seniors and infants on board, the helm made the decision to take the casualty vessel under tow back to Dromineer, where the casualties had their car and a means to get home. The helm informed Valentia Coast Guard of this decision.

"The casualty vessel was safely tied alongside in Dromineer Harbour at 7.38pm. The lifeboat was back at station at 7.56pm."

Aoife Kennedy, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI advises boat users to "ensure your vessel is serviced before undertaking a journey. Always check the weather forecast and carry a means of communication."