The Carrybridge RNLI performed an assist over the bank holiday weekend as two people and a small dog ran aground on their vessel. 

At 9.40 pm on Sunday, August 28, Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, Douglas Euan & Kay Richards was launched at the request of Belfast Coastguard, to assess a vessel with two people and a small dog on board, which had run aground approx. One mile south of Belle Isle Estate, Castle and Cottages.

A spokesperson for the RNLI said: "Winds were Southerly, Force 1. Visibility was good during the hours of darkness.

"The volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat located the casualty vessel which had been refloated by a smaller Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB). They in turn had taken the casualty vessel under tow.

The lifeboat crew had to carry out an assessment and checks, the spokesperson explained: "As the lifeboat approached both vessels, the tow was stopped to allow the helm and crew to come alongside the casualty vessel. They assessed the situation and the well-being of the two people and the small dog on board and found they were all ok. A full check of the casualty vessel was carried out to make sure that there was no water ingress after the earlier grounding, and none was found."

The spokesperson continued: "Due to the darkness of the night, the helm deemed the safest option would be for the lifeboat and its crew to take over the tow, and to bring the vessel back to its private marina some 2 miles from where it was currently positioned. The transfer of the tow was successfully carried out and the lifeboat safely proceeded in towing the vessel to its private marina. The crew of the RIB were thanked for their assistance and they also returned to their private marina."

Speaking following the call out, Chris Cathcart, Volunteer Helm at Carrybridge RNLI advised all boat users: ‘‘Before setting out on your journey please plan your route using the relevant charts and carry out regular checks of your position whilst you proceed.

"Also allow extra time for your journey, due to the evenings getting darker earlier as Autumn approaches. Have a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble and have lifejackets for all on board. If you see someone or something in trouble on the water or are in difficulties yourself the number to dial is: 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’’