Carrybridge RNLI assist 2 people onboard a stranded vessel
At 6.30pm on Saturday 26 July, Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, Douglas Euan & Kay Richards was launched at the request of Belfast Coastguard, to assess a 10 metre vessel with two adults on board, which had lost propulsion approx. 1 mile Northwest of the Share Holiday Village.
Winds were Northwesterly, Force 4. Visibility was good with sunny intervals.
The volunteer lifeboat crew located and came alongside the casualty vessel and assessed the two people on board who were safe and well and wearing lifejackets.
They assessed the casualty vessel for any damage and water ingress and found all to be in a safe condition, however it was stranded in very heavy weed growth with no means of propulsion. Due to its current location in the main navigation channel, and to avoid other vessels approaching to assist and also getting stuck in the heavy weed, the Helm took the decision to tow the casualty vessel out into deeper water.
With the owner’s permission obtained, the casualty craft was successfully towed out into deeper water. The vessel’s sea worthiness was checked by the lifeboat crew, and all was found to be in working order. The master of the vessel then proceeded under its own power on its onward journey.
Lough Erne Coastguard Rescue Team were also requested by Belfast Coastguard to divert from an earlier tasking to assist in this rescue.
Speaking following the call out, Chris Cathcart, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Carrybridge RNLI advised all boat users: ‘‘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 checks on your vessel, as currently there is a lot of extra weed growth on Upper Lough Erne, and it is worth watching for these areas of heavier growth in order to avoid them. 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
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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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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