CARRYBRIDGE RNLI assisted seven people during two separate call-outs on Lough Erne on Sunday afternoon last, April 25.
At 3.45pm, Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, Douglas Euan and Kay Richards and Rescue Water Craft (RWC) was launched to a vessel with two people on board, which had encountered engine difficulties approximately two miles north of Knockninny.
Winds were northwesterly, force one, and visibility was excellent.
The lifeboat and RWC arrived with the casualty vessel which had drifted close to the shoreline.
The volunteer crew checked the wellbeing of the people on the boat and found they were safe and well.
With the owner’s permission, a tow was established and the boat was then towed back to a private marina.
Just as the volunteer crew were returning at 5pm to the lifeboat station at Carrybridge, Belfast Coastguard requested for both the lifeboat and RWC to assist a second vessel with five people on board that had run aground approximately one mile northeast of Naan Island.
The people on board the casualty vessel were found to be safe and well, and due to the shallow water conditions, the volunteer crew carefully transferred them all over to the lifeboat.
This allowed the grounded vessel to be refloated and towed back to the Carrybridge Public Slipway.
Speaking following the call-out, Stephen Scott, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Carrybridge RNLI, advised all boat users: “As the bank holiday approaches, please take time to plan your journey with the relevant charts, lifejackets for all on board, and a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble.
“If you see someone in trouble on the water or are in difficulties yourself, the number to dial is 999 or 112, and ask for the Coastguard.”