Carrybridge RNLI assist 6 people onboard a broken down vessel

Winds were South Westerly, Force 2. Visibility was good.

The volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat located the casualty vessel which had been able to set their anchor to stop the boat from drifting. The crew assessed the casualties and found them to be well.

The crew then assessed the casualty vessel and were able to aid with a temporary repair. This enabled the crew of the casualty boat to continue with their trip. A lifeboat crew member stayed onboard to make sure this repair was successful for the first part of the onward journey with the lifeboat following behind before transferring the crew member back to the lifeboat.

The following day, Sunday 14 May, Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was requested to launch at 12.54pm at the request of Belfast Coastguard following a report of a boat explosion on Upper Lough Erne at Crom. One person was understood to be injured.

The lifeboat launched immediately and made its way to the scene. The Northern Ireland Air Ambulance, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the PSNI were also tasked. Once on scene the crew observed that the casualty was in care of the ambulance service. The lifeboat stood by during the incident to ensure other vessels on the water were kept back. The lifeboat was stood down at 3.15pm.

Speaking following the call outs, Stephen Scott, Lifeboat Operations Manager 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. 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]

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.

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