Carrybridge RNLI: Two boats rescued on Lough Erne in one day

At 3.25pm on Saturday, June 3, Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore relief lifeboat, Roy Snewin was launched at the request of Belfast Coastguard, to assess a vessel with three people on board, which had run aground approximately one mile North East of Knockninny.

Noting that winds that afternoon were North East, Force 2 and visibility was good, a spokesperson for Carrybridge RNLI went on to give details of the rescue: "The volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat located the casualty vessel which had run aground in shallow water. The crew assessed the casualties and found them to be safe and well, and wearing lifejackets.

"The crew then assessed the casualty vessel for any damage and water ingress and found all to be in safe order."

The helm on board carried out a risk assessment and due to it being lightly aground, a decision was made to refloat the casualty vessel and the craft was towed into deeper water.

"A lifeboat crew member stayed onboard and then checked the vessel to make sure it had propulsion and steering. All was fine and the vessel proceeded on its onward journey," said the spokesperson.

Later that evening, Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat launched at 6.23pm at the request of Belfast Coastguard following reports of a vessel aground approximately one mile south of Crom Estate with two people onboard.

"The volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat located the casualty vessel which had run aground in shallow water close to shore. They made their way into the vessel and found the two persons on board to be safe and well and wearing lifejackets," said the RNLI spokesperson, adding: "The vessel was assessed for damage and water ingress and all was found to be safe and well."

It was then deemed safe to refloat the casualty vessel.

"This was carried out successfully with the vessel towed into deeper water. Checks were carried out by the crew member who remained onboard, and all was found to be in working order. The casualty vessel was escorted to Crom jetty, after which it then was able to proceed on its onward journey," said the spokesperson.

Speaking following the call-outs, Chris Cathcart, Volunteer Helm at Carrybridge RNLI advised all boat users: ‘‘Before setting out on your journey 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.’’