The RNLI is urging boat owners to make sure they have sufficient fuel before heading out on the water after seven people were rescued on Lough Derg last night.

The two adults and five children were in a 20ft cruiser that suffered engine failure and began drifting towards the rocks, west of Garrykennedy Harbour.

In a statement, the RNLI said the boat was caught in an area “known locally for its choppy waters and sudden shallows”.

RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched at 4:45pm and while they were en-route, they were informed that a small speed boat had towed the cruiser out to safer waters.

The speed boat had also carried a 5L can of fuel to the stricken cruiser and once in safe water, it was able to refuel and able to safely make its own way to Garrykennedy Harbour.

Speaking after the incident Lough Derg RNLI Launching Authority Mary Hurley urged all boat users to “make sure you plan your route before setting out”.

“Always carry sufficient fuel for your journey and carry a reliable means of communication,” she said.

Everyone on the cruiser was safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets.