TWO people had to be brought to safety on Lower Lough Erne this week after the boat they were on showed signs of catching fire, Enniskillen RNLI has revealed.

The people on board the boat quickly used their fire extinguishers, phoned 999 and asked for the Coastguard.

Enniskillen RNLI’s inshore lifeboat Joseph and Mary Hiley and rescue watercraft were requested by Belfast Coastguard at 12.01pm on Wednesday.

They proceeded to the area close to Castle Cauldwell, three miles east of Belleek.

Weather at the time was very warm, with calm conditions and no wind.

The volunteer crew checked the boat and the owners had extinguished the source of the fire and carried out necessary precautions.

The lifeboat set up a towline and brought the boat and passengers to Magho jetty, where they were met by Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service personnel based in Belleek.

The boat was checked over again and all were satisfied that the fire was well-extinguished.

Following the callout, Enniskillen RNLI Helm Adrian Kelly said: “We were happy to assist the vessel back to Magho jetty after the owner had safely deployed his fire extinguishers and prevented serious damage.

“It was encouraging to see that the vessel had adequate safety equipment on board.”