ENNISKILLEN RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, John and Jean Lewis, was recently launched to assist a boat with six people onboard, which had encountered difficulties near Castle Archdale.

Weather conditions were blowing a westerly, force 3 wind and visibility was poor when the incident happened on Friday, June 7 at 10.55pm. 

The volunteer crew located the casualty vessel which had run aground on rocks close to Marker 58R1. The crew assessed those onboard and found them to be safe and well and wearing lifejackets.

The crew assessed the situation and made a decision to tow the vessel to the nearest safe jetty as the casualty vessel could not make good progress without assistance.

Speaking following the call out, Enniskillen RNLI Helm Paul Keown, advised all boat users: "Now that we are in the summer season, we would urge all boat owners to carry out regular maintenance checks on your vessel.

"Make sure you have the relevant charts required before starting your journey, 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."