Carrybridge RNLI assists 2 vessels and new helm completes his first shout

Winds were South Westerly, Force 3. Visibility was good with clear skies.

The volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat located the vessel which was aground just off the main navigation channel. Once alongside, the lifeboat crew assessed the wellbeing of the two people on board and found them to be safe and well and wearing lifejackets. The casualty vessel was also checked, and all was found to be in a safe condition with no water ingress, however it was grounded in an area of very shallow water.

The lifeboat helm and crew assessed the situation and due to the vessel’s location and its status of being aground, they deemed the safest option was for the owner to obtain the assistance of an independent recovery company to assist in the refloating of their vessel. This information was relayed onto Belfast Coastguard, and the volunteer crew assisted the owner in contacting a recovery company. The people onboard the casualty vessel were happy to remain on their vessel until it was refloated and for the lifeboat to return to their station. They were made aware that if further assistance was required then they were to contact Belfast Coastguard again.

This was also the first callout for Matthew Nelson, the newest helm at Carrybridge RNLI who recently passed out on Wednesday 19 August 2026. Matthew can now take command of the lifeboat during exercises and shouts.

A few days earlier on Friday 18 September at 8.15pm, whilst the Carrybridge RNLI lifeboat crew were just launching on a training exercise, they came across a casualty vessel within the Carrybridge area which was struggling to moor their vessel due to complete darkness.

The volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat came alongside the casualty vessel and checked that everyone was safe and well and also checked that the vessel was in good condition, and all was found to be ok. The owner of the vessel requested help from the lifeboat crew to assist them in getting moored up for the night and this information was relayed onto Belfast Coastguard. The crew moored the lifeboat and three of the volunteer crew members made their way to one of the public jetties at Carrybridge and then proceeded to guide the casualty vessel until it was safely secured. Once this was completed the lifeboat crew continued with their exercise.

Speaking following the call out, Chris Cathcart, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Carrybridge RNLI advised all boat users: ‘‘As the darker and longer evenings are new moving in, we would ask all boaters to make sure you are safely moored up before darkness sets in. We would advise all boat users before setting out on your journey to please plan your route ahead using the relevant charts and also allow extra time for your journey. 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.’’

Ends

Notes to editors

· Carrybridge Lifeboat Station was started in 2002 on Upper Lough Erne. It currently operates an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat

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Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 10 lifeboat stations in Northern Ireland and has lifeguard beaches along the Causeway Coast and in county Down which it operates seasonally. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Chris Cathcart, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Carrybridge RNLI, 07595895908, [email protected]

Stephen Scott, Deputy Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Carrybridge RNLI, 07786228968, [email protected] 

Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Ireland, 087 648 3547, [email protected]

Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Ireland, 087 125 4124, [email protected]

Ciaran Dixon, RNLI Communications Placement on [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.