First call for Carrybridge RNLI’s new lifeboat to two people in the water

The volunteer lifeboat crew based on Upper Lough Erne at Carrybridge were requested to launch at 2.31pm following a report from Belfast coastguard of two people in the water near the old boat house at Crom Estate, Upper Lough Erne after their Canadian canoes capsized.

The new lifeboat, helmed by Thomas Graham, with crew members David Reid and Kyle Boyd, along with the Rescue Water Craft, helmed by Chris Cathcart and crewed by Adrian Quigley all made their way to the scene.

Weather conditions at the time were overcast with force 4/5 winds and fair visibility. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service was also in attendance.

As the RNLI volunteers arrived on scene at Crom, a member of the public informed them that the man and woman who came off the canoes had managed to swim ashore with the assistance of two members of the public who had entered the water to assist them. The canoeists were suffering from signs of hypothermia and were being warmed in vehicles.

The RNLI crew secured their vessels and made their way to the casualties as members of the Ambulance Service arrived on scene. The two casualties were transferred to the ambulance with the assistance of the RNLI crew where they received casualty care treatment.

Speaking following the callout, Carrybridge RNLI Helm Thomas Graham said: ‘The water is very cold at this time of year and the casualties had been in the lough for about five minutes after coming out of their canoes and making their way back to the shore. Thankfully they made it safety ashore and received treatment.’

‘We would recommend if going afloat in this time of year in any canoe, that lifejackets and drysuits are worn to help protect against the cold waters, and that people also carry a means of communication such as a VHF Radio or Mobile Phone to raise the alert should they get into any difficulties.’

Ends

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For information please contact Stephen Ingram Carrybridge RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Tel: 07725693373 email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager on 00 353 87 1254 124 email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Tel: 00 353 87 6483547 email [email protected]

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The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.

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