ONE adult and four children on a boat were rescued by Enniskillen RNLI on Sunday, May 23 following harsh weather conditions on Lough Erne.

Guided by the lifeboat, one other adult stayed aboard the boat to move it back to safety.

A spokesman for the RNLI said: "At 2.15pm [on Sunday], Enniskillen RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, John and Jean Lewis, launched to the aid of six people in a day boat taking shelter in the area of Tully Bay.

"The casualties were on their way towards Castle Archdale when a strong easterly wind and harsh weather made it difficult to continue safely.

“They immediately sought shelter and called Belfast Coastguard for help. The Coastguard requested Enniskillen RNLI to launch their lifeboat to provide assistance."

The volunteer crew found the group sheltering in the Tully bay area.

"There were six people on board the boat, two adults and four children. All were wearing the correct safety equipment and apart from being cold and wet, were safe and well.

"The four children and one of the adults were taken aboard the lifeboat while one adult stayed aboard to helm the vessel.

“Then the lifeboat escorted the vessel back to the safety of Castle Archdale, where a Castle Archdale rib joined them in shadowing the group to mooring," said the RNLI spokesman.

Speaking after the call-out, Enniskillen RNLI helm Stephen Ingram said: "The casualties did exactly the right thing when confronted with harsh weather ­– they sought shelter and called for assistance.

“If you find yourself in difficulty in challenging weather, that is the best thing to do; call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard."