The Enniskillen RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew attended two incidents in the Castle Archdale area on Tuesday afternoon (July 27), firstly aiding a person who was knocked from their Whaley boat, then assisting a cruiser struggling in challenging conditions.

The volunteer crew were requested to launch the station’s inshore lifeboat, John and Jean Lewis and Rescue Watercraft, at 4.30pm on Tuesday.

A passer-by had called the coastguard after witnessing a person fall overboard with their unmanned vessel still under way.

A spokesman for the RNLI said: "The weather was choppy to rough, with a strong westerly Force 4/5 wind.

"The casualty [had] been thrown off when the boat engine linkage broke. When the volunteer crew arrived, they found that the casualty had managed to get back onto his boat when it came to a halt.

“They had then returned back to shore and sought assistance.

"A fire crew and ambulance took care of the casualty on shore as they had spent some time in the water."

On returning to the station, the volunteer crew spotted a cruiser facing difficulty in the challenging weather.

"There were two adults on board and a dog. After transferring a crew member onto the vessel, they were able to take command of the cruiser and safely navigate it back to Rossigh jetty.

“All on board were in good health but were a little shaken by the conditions," the RNLI spokesman said.

Speaking following the callout, Enniskillen RNLI Helm Stephen Ingram said: "It is very easy for things to go wrong in rough weather.

“We would remind people to use safety equipment and make sure the ‘kill cord’ is properly attached.

“Always bring a means of communication with you, and make sure to check the weather forecast before heading out.

"We would also like to commend the individual on the shore who called the coastguard. When you spot something happening on the water, the best thing to do is dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."