Carrybridge RNLI had a busy evening last Friday, assisting a total of 12 people aboard four different boats on Lough Erne.

At 6.33pm on Friday, August 12, Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, ‘Douglas Euan & Kay Richards’, was launched at the request of the Belfast Coastguard to a boat which had got into difficulties in shallow water close to Naan Island.

An RNLI spokesperson said: “Once on scene the volunteer crew located two vessels in close proximity, both of which had got into difficulties in shallow water.

“The first vessel with one person on board was assessed and the decision was made, with the owner’s permission, to safely tow it into deeper water.”

With the first boat now in safe water, attention turned to the second boat, which was further aground.

“There were five people and one dog on board. The crew then transferred four people from this vessel to the first vessel as they were travelling together.

“A safe route was established for the lifeboat crew to tow the casualty into deeper water, with the owner’s permission. Both vessels then proceeded on their onward journey,” said the RNLI spokesperson.

As this incident was being completed, a third boat was spotted by the lifeboat crew entering the same very shallow area of water.

“This lifeboat approached this boat which had two people on board and then, after speaking with the owner, was safely escorted back to deeper water where they were able to continue their journey,” said the RNLI spokesperson, adding: “As the lifeboat crew were making their way back to the station, they observed a fourth vessel with four people onboard which had encountered engine difficulties after getting caught in weeds approximately one mile northwest of Knockninny.

“The lifeboat crew, with the owner’s permission, set up a tow and brought the vessel back to its private berth.”

Speaking following the call-out, Stephen Scott, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Carrybridge RNLI, advised all boat users: ‘‘Now we are in the summer season we would urge all boat owners to 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 find yourself in trouble.

“If you see someone in trouble on the water or are in difficulties yourself, the number to dial is 999 or 112, and ask for the Coastguard.”