Busy Sunday for Carrybridge RNLI with 3 shouts in 6 hours to assist 13 people

Winds were Easterly, Force 3. Visibility was good with clear skies.

When the volunteer crew arrived on scene the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service were already there and providing casualty care to the lady. The lifeboat crew offered assistance to the ambulance crew and were released by the Coastguard when the ambulance left the scene a short time later.

Later that evening the lifeboat launched again at 7.13pm at the requested of Belfast Coastguard to assess a 17.5ft speedboat with 4 adults and 1 child on board which had lost drive approx. 0.5 miles South West of Belleisle. Weather conditions remained the same as they had been earlier in the day.

Four of the casualties were transferred to the lifeboat while a lifeboat crew member transferred to the casualty boat. The lifeboat crew assessed the situation and due to the vessel’s location and it being a possible navigational hazard for other cruisers who could attempt a rescue, a decision was made that the safest course of action was to carry out a tow and safely bring the vessel back to Carrybridge with the owner’s permission.

Lough Erne Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) were waiting at Carrybridge Public Slipway to assist with the safe mooring and then recovery of the vessel to its trailer.

While this part of the shout was being completed further information was received from Belfast Coastguard requesting the lifeboat make its way to an area close to Tamlaght Bay were another 24.5ft sports cruiser with 7 people on board had broken down. The lifeboat diverted from Carrybridge at 8.31pm to attend this call out.

On arrival at the scene the lifeboat crew found that the casualties were safe and well but their vessel would not start. The lifeboat crew assessed the situation and due to the vessel’s location in a busy area for other water users and the light starting to fade, a decision was made that the safest course of action was to carry out a tow and safely bring the vessel back to Carrybridge with the owner’s permission.

Lough Erne CRT were also diverted from the earlier shout to assist in the safe mooring of the vessel at its private berth.

Speaking following the call out, Stephen Scott, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Carrybridge RNLI advised all boat users: ‘‘During the busy holiday season when our waterways are busy we would ask all water users to carry out regular maintenance to their vessels, to have charts to aid navigation for the area you are in, lifejackets for all on board and have a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble. If you see someone in trouble on the water or are in difficulties yourself the number to dial is: 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’’

Ends

Photo Credit: Carrybridge RNLI

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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Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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