Carrybridge RNLI assist eleven people aboard four boats on a busy evening

Winds were Northerly, Force 1. Visibility was excellent with bright sunshine.

Once on scene the volunteer crew located two vessels in close proximity both of which had got into difficulties in shallow water. The first vessel with one person onboard was assessed and the decision made with the owner’s permission to safely tow it into deeper water.

With the first vessel in safe water the attention turned to the second boat which was further aground. There were five people and one dog onboard. The crew then transferred four people from this vessel to the first vessel as they were travelling together. A safe route was established for the lifeboat crew to tow the casualty into deeper water with the owner’s permission. Both vessels then proceeded on their onward journey.

As this incident was being completed a third vessel was spotted by the lifeboat crew entering the same very shallow area of water. This lifeboat approached this vessel which had two people onboard and then after speaking with the owner was safely escorted back to deeper water where they were able to continue their journey.

As the lifeboat crew were making their way back to the station, they observed a fourth vessel with four people onboard which had encountered engine difficulties after getting caught in weed approximately one mile North West of Knockninny. The lifeboat crew with the owner’s permission setup a tow and brought the vessel back to its private berth.

Speaking following the call out, Stephen Scott, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Carrybridge RNLI advised all boat users: ‘‘Now we are in the summer season we would urge all boat owners to 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.’’

Ends

Notes to editors

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

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Chris Cathcart, Carrybridge RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07595895908, email [email protected] or Stephen Scott, Carrybridge RNLI Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07786228968, email [email protected] or contact Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 00353 876483547 or [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 00353 871254124 or [email protected]

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