Enniskillen RNLI launch to boat fire near Kesh

The volunteer lifeboat crew was requested to launch its inshore lifeboat and Rescue Water Craft at 10.28pmby Belfast Coastguard following a report of a boat on fire in the Kesh area.

The lifeboat helmed by Stephen Ingram and with Andy Wilson, Seamus McHugh onboard launched and proceeded north towards Kesh along with the Rescue Water Craft with Aidy Kelly and Paul Keown onboard.

Weather conditions at the time were clear with calm waters.

As the volunteer crew were on their way to the scene, more information came through a boat was on fire approximately 30m from shore in the Muckross area.

Units of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service from Irvinestown and Enniskillen were also on scene and conducted a shore search with thermal imaging equipment. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the PSNI were also in attendance while the Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118 from Sligo was also tasked.

On arrival, the lifeboat crew quickly located the row boat which had extinguished itself but was still smouldering. When it was safe to do so, the Rescue Water Craft towed the row boat into the slipway where it was secured and fully extinguished by the fire service. Rescue 118 was stood down.

Once all personnel in attendance were satisfied that no one else was involved the volunteer crew returned to base.

Speaking following the call out, Enniskillen RNLI Helm Stephen Ingram said: ‘Thankfully no one was injured in this incident. This call out was a fine example of the various emergency services responding and working well together.’