
Carrybridge RNLI assist 4 people and 2 dogs onboard a vessel aground
At 10.40am on Sunday 18 August, whilst Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, Douglas Euan & Kay Richards were afloat on a training exercise, they came across a 13 metre vessel with 4 people and 2 dogs on board, which had grounded in Tamlaght Bay approx. 2 miles upstream from Bellanaleck.
Winds were Westerly, Force 4. Visibility was excellent with sunny conditions.
The volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat were proceeding towards Enniskillen as part of their training exercise, when they sighted a vessel, which was noted to be in very shallow water and side on to the weather at the end of Tamlaght Bay. This information was immediately relayed to Belfast Coastguard where the lifeboat crew were asked to assess the casualty vessel and the people on board.
The lifeboat proceeded into Tamlaght Bay with caution towards the grounded vessel, with crew taking depth soundings until they were alongside. They assessed the well-being of the 4 people and 2 dogs on board as well as the vessel itself and all was found to be safe and well.
The helm of the lifeboat had a discussion with the master of the casualty vessel, and it was established that they had called its owner, and they were going to come out to them in a rescue boat to refloat their vessel again. Further contact was made by the helm with the vessel’s owner, and they provided further information on its exact location, its condition and the well-being of the crew onboard.
The decision was taken by the helm that the safest option would be for the lifeboat and its volunteer crew to remain alongside the casualty vessel for reassurance, until the owner arrived in their rescue vessel, after which the lifeboat moved away to a safe distance to allow it to be refloated again.
Once it was refloated, the lifeboat escorted both vessels out of Tamlaght Bay, before continuing with their training exercise again at 11.54am. Lough Erne Coastguard Rescue Team were also in attendance.
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
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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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