An RNLI crew in action on Lough Erne RMG67
TWO people have been rescued after their boat ran aground after losing power on Upper Lough Erne last week.
Carrybridge RNLI launched both it’s inshore lifeboat and the its rescue water craft (RWC) last Friday afternoon, May 25th, after the Belfast Coastguard alerted the station to a 30ft cruiser in need of assistance on the lough at around 4.20pm.
The crew located the boat around half a mile west of Naan Island. It had run aground after losing power. The two people on board were safe and well.
“The volunteer crew assessed the vessel and its crew and found that they were OK and the vessel was not taking on water,” said a Carrybridge RNLI spokesman.
“The lifeboat crew then set up a tow line and refloated the vessel towing it into deeper water. The vessel was checked for damage and found that it had no means of propulsion. The volunteer crew set up an alongside tow to the lifeboat, and the vessel was towed to Knockninny Public Jetty. The lifeboat and rescue water craft departed the scene at 5.46pm.”
The rescue came at the beginning of a gloriously sunny holiday weekend, and with the forecast for the fine weather to continue into the coming week, and hopes of a long hot summer ahead, the RNLI are urging anyone using the water, weather inland or on the coast, to always think of safety first.
“We would remind all boat users to respect the water, plan your passage before setting out, and take particular care while navigating,” said Chris Cathcart, helm at Carrybridge RNLI.
As part of the RNLI’s “Respect the Water” campaign, two areas where they are urging the public to learn how to float, as over half of all those who lose their lives in the water have not intended on being there. Visit www.rnli.org/safety/respect-the-water.
If you see someone else in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
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