Carrybridge RNLI assisted three people and a dog after their vessel ran aground yesterday (May 4).

At 5.39pm on Sunday 4 May, Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, Douglas Euan & Kay Richards was launched at the request of Belfast Coastguard, to assess a vessel with two adults, a baby and a dog on board, which had broken down approx. 1 mile North of Knockninny marina.

Winds were Northwesterly, Force 3. Visibility was excellent with clear sunny skies.

The volunteer crew located the casualty boat in shallow water. Two lifeboat crew members swam to the casualty position where they assessed the wellbeing of the people and dog onboard and all were found to be safe and well and wearing their lifejackets.

The lifeboat crew then assessed the casualty vessel for any damage and water ingress and found all to be in a safe condition. Due to the craft being hard aground the helm made the decision to request the assistance of a marine recovery company to refloat the casualty vessel with the owners permission. While the marine recovery company was en route it was decided to transfer one of the adults, the baby and the dog to the lifeboat so they could be returned to Carrybridge public jetties were they were met by a family member and the Lough Erne Coastguard Rescue Team.

The lifeboat then returned to the initial casualty location. At that time the marine recovery company had just refloated the casualty vessel. The vessel’s sea worthiness was checked by them and the lifeboat crew, and all was found to be in working order. The casualty vessel then proceeded under its own power on its onward journey.

Speaking following the call out, Stephen Scott, Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager at Carrybridge RNLI advised all boat users: ‘‘With people making the most of the good weather we would advise all boat users before setting out on your journey to please plan your route ahead using the relevant charts for the area making sure to check the navigational marks on the water to those shown on your chart. 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.’’