Search resumes for speedboat crew

A major search operation has resumed after a 20-foot speedboat was found overturned on Lough Derg.

The vessel was first spotted close to the shore near Garrykennedy, Co Tipperary, at about 9.30pm last night. Search teams do not yet know if anyone was in the speedboat when it capsized.

The Lough Derg RNLI said the speedboat had suffered extensive damage to the outdrive and propellers, consistent with damage whilst under way.

A spokeswoman said there were no reports of anyone overdue and attempts are ongoing to discover who might own the boat.

Killaloe Coast Guard and the Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue from Shannon joined the operation, which was called off until first light.

Crews and volunteers have resumed an extensive search of the water and shoreline. The speedboat was taken to Garrykennedy and is being investigated by Garda specialists.

Lifeboat operations manager Charles Stanley Smith said he was extremely pleased with the level of co-operation by all of the emergency services on the lake as well as offers of help from the public.