Carrybridge RNLI assist 2 people and a dog onboard a grounded vessel
At 9.40pm on Sunday 28 August, Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, Douglas Euan & Kay Richards was launched at the request of Belfast Coastguard, to assess a vessel with two people and a small dog on board, which had run aground approx. 1 mile south of Belle Isle Estate, Castle and Cottages.
Winds were Southerly, Force 1. Visibility was good during the hours of darkness.
The volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat located the casualty vessel which had been refloated by a smaller Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB). They in turn had taken the casualty vessel under tow.
As the lifeboat approached both vessels, the tow was stopped to allow the helm and crew to come alongside the casualty vessel. They assessed the situation and the wellbeing of the 2 people and the small dog on board and found they were all ok. A full check of the casualty vessel was carried out to make sure that there was no water ingress after the earlier grounding, and none was found.
Due to the darkness of the night, the helm deemed the safest option would be for the lifeboat and its crew to take over the tow, and to bring the vessel back to its private marina some 2 miles from where it was currently positioned. The transfer of the tow was successfully carried out and the lifeboat safely proceeded in towing the vessel to its private marina. The crew of the RIB were thanked for their assistance and they also returned to their private marina.
Speaking following the call out, Chris Cathcart, Volunteer Helm at Carrybridge RNLI advised all boat users: ‘‘Before setting out on your journey please plan your route using the relevant charts and carry out regular checks of your position whilst you proceed. Also allow extra time for your journey, due to the evenings getting darker earlier as Autumn approaches. 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 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]
RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.
Key facts about the RNLI
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.