An RNLI crew in action on Lough Erne RMG67
LIFEGUARDS at Enniskillen RNLI’s two bases on Lough Erne continue to be the busiest in the North, new figures have revealed.
The RNLI, the charity that saves lives at sea, has released its lifeboat and lifeguard figures for 2015 and once again is urging people whether they are working or enjoying the coastline, in inland areas or the beach, to respect the water.
Enniskillen RNLI, which operates from two inland lifeboat stations on Upper and Lower Lough Erne, had the most call outs in the North over the past 12 months, launching 74 times over the 12 months and bringing 89 people to safety. On Upper Lough Erne at Carrybridge, there were 46 launches and 56 people were rescued while on the Lower Lough at Killadeas, there were 28 launches with 33 people brought to safety. The figures once again increased on the previous year when Enniskillen was also the busiest division in 2014 with 59 callouts and 57 people rescued.
Established in May 2001, Enniskillen RNLI became the charity’s first inland lifeboat station.
The RNLI currently has around 40 volunteers to cover its inshore service in Fermanagh. The great team spirit between Enniskillen’s management, crew and committee members creates an efficient and professional service on the Lough Erne waterway, which works closely with other emergency services to keep water users safe.
Last year also saw the RNLI’s first permanent inland lifeboat station built and officially opened at Carrybridge. The opening in October by the Duke of Kent, who is the President of the RNLI, came 13 years after the station was first established on Upper Lough Erne. During those years, Enniskillen RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew were housed in temporary accommodation. The new boathouse was made possible thanks to the donation of the site by the late George Johnston, whose farmland fronted the River Erne. The local community contributed £60,000 towards the cost.
Chris Cathcart, RNLI helm at Carrybridge said: “It has been a busy year for the volunteer crew based at the newly opened Carrybridge Lifeboat Station, helping and assisting vessels aground, vessels with mechanical issues to name a few.”
Jimmy Dundas, Lifeboat Operations Manager of Enniskillen RNLI added: “I want to thank all the crew, shore helpers and fundraisers, who are all volunteers, for their endless work throughout the year at both sites. I also want to extend my thanks to the community for their continued support.”
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