Carrybridge RNLI assist 10 people in 2 separate rescues

Winds were Northwesterly, Force 1. Visibility was good with clear skies and fading light.

The volunteer crew located the casualty vessel approx. one mile northwest of Knockninny public jetty and came alongside. They assessed the four people on board who were safe and well and assisted to make sure they were all safely wearing lifejackets. After checking the vessel, it was found that the engine stopped due to it being caught up in excess weed growth. With light fading rapidly and due to the vessel’s location, the helm deemed the safest option to take was to tow the vessel back to the owner’s private jetty at Carrybridge. With the owner’s permission the craft was towed back to Carrybridge and handed over to the Lough Erne Coastguard Rescue Team.

A few days prior to this at 8.30pm on Friday 8 August whilst the lifeboat was out on a training exercise, they were diverted by Belfast Coastguard to assess a 5 metre fishing vessel with six people on board North of Naan Island which had broken down and was being assisted by another smaller craft which had been passing by. Winds were Southwesterly, Force 4. Visibility was good with clear skies and fading light.

The volunteer lifeboat crew came along side the casualty craft and assessed the six people on board, who were safe and well. The lifeboat crew assisted in making sure all were wearing the appropriate lifejackets.

They assessed the casualty vessel for any damage and water ingress and found all to be in a safe condition, however it was noted by the master of the vessel that their engine had stopped and would not restart again. With nightfall approaching rapidly and to make sure they made it back to shore safely, the helm noted the safest option was to take over the towing of the casualty vessel with the owner’s permission and bring them back to the location where they set out from, which was carried out successfully.

Speaking following the call out, Chris Cathcart, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Carrybridge RNLI advised all boat users: ‘‘With people making the most of the glorious good weather which we are encountering, we have noticed more people making the most of our wonderful waterways. 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 and carry out regular checks of your current position whilst you proceed. Carry out regular maintenance to their vessels and have a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble as well as having lifejackets for all on board. Currently there is a lot of weed growth on Upper Lough Erne and it is worth watching for areas of heavier growth you would want to avoid.

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.’’

Ends

Notes to editors

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

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Chris Cathcart, Carrybridge RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07595895908, or email [email protected] or Stephen Scott, Carrybridge RNLI Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07786228968, or email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 00353 87 648 3547 or email  [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 00353 87 1254 124 or [email protected] or Treasa Ni Bhraonain, RNLI Communications Placement on 00353 874764436 or [email protected]

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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 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.

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.