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Enniskillen RNLI conducts search during false alarm with good intent

Lifeboats News Release

At 11.20pm last Thursday (10 October), Enniskillen RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, John and Jean Lewis, was launched at the request of Belfast Coastguard following reports that a boat with one person onboard was missing.

RNLI/Sam Corr

Enniskillen RNLI

Weather conditions at the time were cloudy with winds blowing a north westerly, force 2 wind.

The volunteer crew searched the area around Devenish Island before being updated by the Coastguard that the casualty vessel had been located by shore crew and the person thought to be missing, was safe on land. The lifeboat crew spoke with the Lough Erne Coastguard team at Trory jetty, and it was established that no further assistance was required and they stood down.

Speaking following the call out, Enniskillen RNLI Helm, Kane Howe, said: 'We would always much rather launch and be updated that all is well rather than not launch at all when there is a concern. If you think someone may be in difficulty on the water, it is always right to raise the alarm.

'We would advise all boat users to ensure they make sure that they always carry a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble, and always let someone know what your plans are and when you are due back. If you see someone in trouble on the water or are in difficulties yourself, the number to call is 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.'

Ends

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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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