Carrybridge RNLI tasked to 3 separate rescues within an 8 hour period

Winds were Westerly, Force 4. Visibility was good with part cloudy skies.

Whilst the lifeboat proceeded to the casualty vessel’s location, the volunteer crew located a similar vessel underway on its own power approx. 2 miles from the initial reported position. They came alongside this craft and were advised that this was indeed the casualty vessel which had been refloated and assisted by the two engineers onboard, who were from the company who owned the cruiser. They confirmed that all was safe and well and that they were on passage back to their marina.

Lough Erne Coastguard Rescue Team were also in attendance to offer assistance.

Later that evening whilst the crew of Carrybridge RNLI were afloat on their weekly training exercise, they were tasked again at 8.04pm by Belfast Coastguard to assess a cruiser with two people on board which had broken down between the Killyhevlin Hotel and Bellanaleck. Weather conditions remained the same as earlier in the day, with darkness starting to fall.

The volunteer crew diverted from their training exercise and proceeded to the vessels last known position. Whilst on route at 8.21pm, Belfast Coastguard contacted Carrybridge RNLI to request them to immediately divert from their current tasking and to proceed to an area around Bellanaleck to search and locate a 10 metre vessel which was taking on water and sinking.

Our flanking station Enniskillen RNLI were also afloat training and were asked by Belfast Coastguard to divert and assist the initial craft which had broken down. This allowed Carrybridge RNLI to proceed to the vessel taking on water.

Once the lifeboat crew arrived at Bellanaleck they commenced a search of the area and quickly located a cruiser which was sinking close to the public jetty. The vessel was in the process of being moved over to a slipway a short distance away using its mooring lines, by its owner and a marine engineer in order that it could be beached. The Helm deployed one of his crewmembers to help with safely securing the casualty vessel, which was completed successfully.

Speaking following the call out, Stephen Scott, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Carrybridge RNLI advised all boat users: “This was a busy few hours for our crew during their working week, but we are always available to help those in need. As we get to the end of the boating season we would ask all water users to take care while navigating as we enter the darker evenings and to note the lower water levels as these are reduced to combat flooding over the autumn and winter period. Before setting out on your journey we would urge all boat owners to carry out regular maintenance checks on your vessel, make sure you have the relevant charts required before starting your journey, lifejackets for all on board and a means of calling for assistance. 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]

RNLI online

For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

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

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.