New Navigator at Carrybridge RNLI completes second call out within 48 hours

This has involved many hours of classroom theory and practical afloat sessions honing his skills in the lead up to this final pass out which was completed on Wednesday 20 August with visiting Coastal Lifeboat Trainer, Sean Ginnelly.

Atlantic 85 navigation covers paper and electronic chart work, plotting and following courses, answering questions on the safe navigation policies, casualty scenarios and selecting the correct search pattern for different incidents and executing the correct search into practice, as well as demonstrating knowledge around the different methods of fixing the position of the lifeboat and navigating in restricted visibility.

Following the assessment Matthew said: “The volunteers at Carrybridge RNLI are a fantastic crew of people giving valuable endless support and encouragement during my training and again for the pass out. I’d especially like to thank all those who taught and guided me to the standard that was required. I look forward to helping the other future navigators coming through in our station.”

There was little time to rest for Matthew however as the lifeboat was called out by the Coastguard twice in the following days where he put his new skills into practice navigating the lifeboat.

On Saturday 23 August at 4:52pm Carrybridge inshore lifeboat, Douglas Euan & Kay Richards, was requested by the Coastguard to attend a 35ft vessel with four people on board which had run aground on the North side of Naan Island. Winds were North Easterly, Force 2 and visibility was good with overcast skies.

The volunteer crew located and came along side the casualty vessel and assessed the four people on board who were safe and well and were all wearing lifejackets. The lifeboat crew then assessed the casualty vessel for any damage and water ingress and found all to be in a safe condition, with the craft being grounded.

Due to its current location just off the main navigation channel, and to avoid other craft from entering the same area to assist, the Helm took the decision to refloat the vessel, with the owner’s permission. This was carried out successfully however the casualties had encountered mechanical issues with their engine which required the lifeboat to tow the craft to Knockninny public jetty where they were handed over to Lough Erne Coastguard Rescue Team.

On Monday 25 August at 1:45pm the lifeboat again was requested by the Coastguard to attend a 16ft vessel with three people and a dog on board which had broken down 2 miles downstream of Belturbet. Winds were Southerly, Force 5 and visibility was good with part cloudy skies.

The volunteer crew located the casualty vessel and assessed the three people on board who were safe and well and were all wearing lifejackets. The lifeboat crew then assessed the casualty vessel for any damage and water ingress and found all to be in a safe condition, with the craft having broken down.

Due to its current location just off the main navigation channel, the amount of weed in the area and to avoid other craft from entering the same area to assist, the Helm took the decision to tow the vessel. The crew and dog from the craft were transferred to the lifeboat and with the owner’s permission the vessel was towed to Trial Bay where they were handed over to Lough Erne Coastguard Rescue Team.

Speaking following the pass out, Stephen Scott, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Carrybridge RNLI said: ‘‘I am very proud of the way Matthew has excelled with his lifeboat training. As a station we are delighted with the exceptional progress that Matthew has made and understand that there is a large time commitment made by our volunteers and we want to acknowledge this effort. Matthew has pushed really hard to further develop his skill set as he works through the various roles within our lifeboat station. With regards to the call outs over the past few days 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. 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.’’

Ends

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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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.

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