Only a few days after Carrybridge RNLI which operates on Upper Lough Erne, received a generous donation from the Enniskillen Royal Boat Club, its Atlantic 85 Inshore lifeboat answered a shout yesterday (7th) to help a vessel with two people onboard which had developed engine difficulties.
The Douglas Euan and Kay Richards and a Rescue Watercraft arrived with the casualty vessel near the Share Discovery Village on the eastern shore of Upper Lough Erne.
Winds were South Westerly, Force 2 and visibility was good with overcast conditions. The crew found that the vessel had secured to a navigation marker and the people on the casualty boat were unharmed.
With the owner's permission, a tow was established, and the boat was then towed the short distance to Corradillar Quay.
On returning to the station the crew found a 4m section of a tree floating in the main navigation channel which was posing a significant risk to other water users. The crew were able to remove this from the water to allow for safe navigation.
Speaking following the call out, Stephen Scott, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Carrybridge RNLI advised all boat users: ''At this time of year when there isn't much boat movement on the water it is especially important before setting out to plan your journey, have the relevant charts required, 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.''
Carrybridge Lifeboat Station was founded in 2002 on Upper Lough Erne
