Enniskillen RNLI assist two people on boat in thick fog

Belfast Coastguard requested Enniskillen RNLI’s volunteer crew to launch on Sunday (November 8) following a report that a boat had got into difficulty during difficult weather conditions close to marker 49A on Lower Lough Erne.

At 4pm on Sunday 8 November, the volunteer crew was requested to launch following reports that a boat had run aground in thick fog, visibility was very bad.

With no wind, and visibility made the environment extremely challenging.

The volunteer crew proceeded with caution through the thick dense fog. Visibility was poor as the crew searched the area, shouting for a response to help locate the vessel. The casualty vessel sounded a horn which helped identify the exact location of the boat. Once alongside, the lifeboat crew assessed the wellbeing of the two people on board and found them to be safe and well. A crew member got onboard the casualty vessel to assist in the recovery. The helm assessed the situation and deemed the safest option was to tow to the casualty vessel out into deeper water and the crew member assisted with the safe navigation of the casualty vessel, following the navigation lights of the lifeboat to a nearby jetty.

Speaking following the call out, Stephen Ingram, Volunteer Lifeboat Helm at Enniskillen RNLI said: ‘‘The weather conditions were extremely challenging where the fog swept in so quickly and we were pleased to have provided assistance under such difficult circumstances. We would advise all boat users before setting out on your journey to please plan your route ahead using the relevant charts for the area making sure to check the navigational marks on the water to those shown on your chart. 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.’’

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Sam Corr, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Ireland, [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]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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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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