Enniskillen RNLI assist two people on a cruiser on Lower Lough Erne
Just after 8pm on Saturday 25 April, Enniskillen RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, the Ted Dawber, was launched at the request of Belfast Coastguard, to assist a vessel with two people onboard.
Winds were north westerly, Force 2 with good visibility even though light was fading.
The volunteer crew located the casualty vessel close to marker 51c. It had broken down due to electrical issues, and the two people onboard were safe and well. To ensure safe passage, and to ensure the main navigation channel remained clear, the helm deemed the safest option was to take was to tow the vessel to a safe mooring in the vicinity of the Lough Erne Yacht Club. The two people were assisted onshore by the Lough Erne Coastguard team.
The lifeboat then returned to station, ready for service again.
Speaking following the call out, Paul Keown, Enniskillen RNLI Helm, advised all boat users: ‘‘As we come into the busy season, when more people are making the most of our waterways, we would ask all water users to carry out regular maintenance to their vessels, plan your route ahead, making sure to check the navigational marks on the water and have a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble. 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.’’
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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 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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