Carrybridge RNLI assist 3 people onboard a vessel after running aground

Winds were Southwesterly, Force 3. Visibility was excellent.

The volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat proceeded to the casualty vessels last known location, and on arrival found the vessel grounded in shallow water. Two other passing cruisers were standing by in case assistance was required.

Once along side the lifeboat crew assessed the wellbeing of the three persons on board and found them to be safe and well and wearing their lifejackets.

The crew then assessed the casualty vessel for any damage and water ingress and found all to be in a safe condition, with the vessel being lightly grounded at the bow. To lighten the casualty vessel, the Helm asked the master to turn on their water taps in order to lower the amount of domestic water stored in their internal water tanks. Also the decision was taken to transfer two of the persons on board the casualty vessel to one of the cruisers which were standing by.

Once the lifeboat returned to the casualty vessel, the Helm carried out a full risk assessment and due to the craft being lightly aground, and to avoid other craft going into the shallows to assist, they deemed the safest option would be for the lifeboat to refloat the casualty vessel with the owners permission being granted and bring it out into deeper water. A lifeboat crew member stayed onboard the vessel, and once the craft was safely refloated, they checked the vessel to make sure it had propulsion and steering, and all was fine. The lifeboat crew transferred the two casualty persons back to their own vessel again, and it then proceeded on its onward journey.

The lifeboat was released to return to station where it was refuelled, washed down and left ready for service again.

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 ahead using the relevant charts for the area, and carry out regular checks of your current 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

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For more information, please contact 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 Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 00353 87 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 00353 87 1254 124 or [email protected] or Tom McGuire, Regional Communications Manager on 00353 874764436 or email [email protected]

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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 10 lifeboat stations in Northern Ireland and has lifeguard beaches along the Causeway Coast and in county Down which it operates seasonally. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.

RNLI at 200

In 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200^th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.

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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