Carrybridge RNLI tasked to assist 4 people on a vessel which had run aground.

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

The volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat located the vessel floating close to the reed bank, and a good distance off the main navigation channel. Once alongside, the lifeboat crew assessed the wellbeing of the four people on board and found them to be safe and well and wearing lifejackets. The casualty vessel was also checked, and all was found to be in a safe condition with no water ingress, however it’s propulsion system was in operatable.

The lifeboat crew assessed the situation and due to the vessel’s location not being easily accessible by land, with light starting to fade and also a possible navigational hazard for other cruisers who could attempt a rescue, a decision was made that the safest course of action was to set up a stern tow and safely bring the vessel back to the Carrybridge Public Jetty’s. The owner provided his permission, and this information was passed to Belfast Coastguard.

Two of the casualties were transferred to the lifeboat whilst a lifeboat crew member transferred to the casualty boat. On arrival at Carrybridge the casualty vessel and the people on board were handed over into the care of the Lough Erne Coastguard Rescue Team who secured the vessel. The volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat then returned to station where it was left ready for service again.

Speaking following the call out, Chris Cathcart, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Carrybridge RNLI advised all boat users: ‘‘This has been a busy period for the volunteer crew, whilst the lake becomes very busy with people making the most of the exceptional good weather which we are encountering at present. Before setting out on your journey we would urge all boat owners to carry out regular maintenance checks on your vessel, make sure you have the relevant charts required before starting your journey, lifejackets for all on board and 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

Notes to editors

· Carrybridge Lifeboat Station was started in 2002 on Upper Lough Erne. It currently operates an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat

RNLI online

For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

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 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 Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Chris Cathcart, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Ireland, 07595895908, [email protected]

Stephen Scott, Deputy Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Ireland,
07786228968, or email [email protected]

Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Ireland, 087 648 3547, [email protected]

Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Ireland, 087 125 4124, [email protected]

Ciaran Dixon, RNLI Communications Placement on [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.