Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat Douglas Euan & Kay Richards diverted from a planned course to neighbouring Enniskillen RNLI lifeboat station on Saturday afternoon (7 September) to assess a six-metre vessel with engine difficulties some 2.5 miles downstream from Carrybridge.

Winds were north-easterly Force 1 and visibility was excellent with clear blue skies shortly after 1.10pm as the volunteer lifeboat crew located the vessel drifting close to the reed bank, within the main navigation channel.

Once alongside, the lifeboat crew assessed the wellbeing of the four persons on board and found them to be safe and well and wearing their lifejackets.

In checking the condition of the casualty vessel, the master advised that the engine kept stopping and they were trying to return to Carrybridge.

The helm decided that due to the vessel’s location in the main navigation channel and with the extreme heat conditions at the time, the safest option would be to set up an astern tow and bring the vessel back to Carrybridge where the vessel was secured at the public jetty.

Later that evening at 7.05pm, while the crew on Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat were returning to their station, they were waved down by a person on board seven-metre vessel which had suffered engine difficulties.

The casualty vessel was in the main navigation channel in the centre of Enniskillen some 500 metres from the Round ‘O’ public jetty. The lifeboat crew quickly checked the wellbeing of the person on board and found them to be safe and well before setting up an alongside tow to bring the vessel to the safety of the jetty.

Continuing their journey home, the volunteer lifeboat crew received another call, their third of the day, at 7.50pm when they were waved down by a person on a jet ski at Bellanaleck public jetties who reported that three family members on a seven-metre sportsboat had encountered fuel problems around a mile downstream from Bellanaleck, in the direction of Enniskillen.

The lifeboat proceeded back towards Enniskillen and its crew located the casualty vessel in the area indicated, adrift in the main navigation channel.

Once alongside, the lifeboat crew assessed the wellbeing of the three persons on board and found them to be safe and well and wearing their lifejackets.

With the master’s permission, the lifeboat helm decided that due to the vessel’s location and with darkness rapidly falling, the safest option would be to set up an astern tow and bring the vessel back to Bellanaleck public jetties.

One crew member from the lifeboat was placed on board the casualty vessel to assist. On arrival at Bellanaleck, the casualty vessel was secured at the public jetty. The lifeboat crew were then released to return to station where the lifeboat it was refuelled, washed down and left ready for service again.

Speaking later, Chris Cathcart, volunteer helm at Carrybridge RNLI said: “This was a busy few hours for the volunteer crew, whilst the lake became very busy with people making the most of the exceptional good weather which we encountered over the weekend.

“Before setting out on your journey, we would urge all boat owners to carry out regular maintenance checks on your vessel, make sure you have the relevant charts required before starting your journey, 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.”

Enniskillen RNLI will be throwing open the doors of its inshore lifeboat station with an open day this Saturday 7 September.

Visitors will have an opportunity to explore the lifeboat station, which was officially opened in 2023.

During the event, which takes place from 2pm to 5pm at the station in Killadeas, the volunteer crew will be joined by rescue and emergency service organisations, including the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Fire Service, the Mountain Rescue Team, Police and Community Safety Partnership and the Lough Erne Coastguard Rescue.

There will be a number of displays during the day, including a water display by Carrybridge RNLI at 2.45pm and a combined demonstration by Enniskillen RNLI and the Irish Coast Guard’s Sligo-based helicopter Rescue 118 at 3pm.

There will also be tours of the lifeboat station and a lifejacket clinic. There will be bouncy castles for younger visitors and ice cream and food can be purchased on the day.

Lifeboat operations manager Gary Jones said: “We are delighted to be able to showcase our station and welcome many of the emergency and rescue services we work with on a routine basis. Everyone is welcome to come along.”

Enniskillen RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, the John and Jean Lewis, was launched on Saturday evening (24 August) at the request of Belfast Coastguard following reports that two people had come off their jet ski on the north side of Inish Davar.

Winds were westerly Force 4 and visibility was good when the lifeboat departed station at 6.41pm.

On arrival at the scene, the volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat proceeded to assess two casualties who were being assisted by a crew on a passing boat.

The Irish Coast Guard’s Sligo-based helicopter Rescue 118 arrived on the scene and assisted Northern Ireland Ambulance Service personnel to get to the scene, where medical assistance was given to both casualties. The Lough Erne Mobile Coastguard Unit were also at the scene.

Both causalities were transferred to South West Acute Hospital.

Speaking following the call-out, Enniskillen RNLI helm Paul Keown thanked all those who assisted on Saturday night.

“We would advise all those on our waterways to check they have appropriate lifejacket or flotation device and a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble. Make sure you are also wearing suitable clothing for the forecasted conditions.

“Always carry a means of calling for help on your person. You must be able to reach it easily in an emergency. Tell someone else where you’re going and when you’ll be back. 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.”

Enniskillen RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, the John and Jean Lewis, was launched at the request of Belfast Coastguard at 5.51pm on Thursday last (1 August) following reports that a jet skier had got into difficulty close to Lusty Beg.

The weather at the time on Lower Lough Erne in Northern Ireland was bright with low winds as the volunteer crew located one man and the jet ski east of Lusty Beg.

One member of the crew had to enter the water to assist the casualty, establishing a tow to ensure the watercraft could be returned safely to shore.

The man, although safe and well, was taken onto the lifeboat, and the crew ensured safe passage to Castle Archdale marina, where the jet ski was moored.

Speaking following the call-out, Enniskillen RNLI helm Stephen Ingram advised all boat users: “Now that we are in the summer season, we would urge all boat owners to carry out regular maintenance checks on your vessel, make sure you have the relevant charts required before starting your journey, 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.”

Waterways Ireland advises all masters and users of the Erne System in Northern Ireland that the channel east of Castle Island in Enniskillen is now closed until 30 September for the creation of a water activity area.

The designated area will be clearly marked by signal and floating buoys. Access to Castle Museum Jetty will be maintained when approaching from the north of Castle Island.

Mariners should use the navigation channel to the west of Castle Island and proceed at slow speed and with minimum wash adhering to any instructions or displayed signage.

Mariners should also be aware of small non-motorised craft also operating in the navigation, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways adds.

At 10.55pm on Friday evening (7 June), Enniskillen RNLI’s inshore lifeboat John and Jean Lewis was launched at the request of Belfast Coastguard to assess a boat with six people onboard, which had encountered difficulties while making its way from Enniskillen in the direction of Castle Archdale.

Weather conditions at the time on Lough Erne in Northern Ireland were blowing a westerly Force 3 wind and visibility was poor.

The volunteer crew located the casualty vessel which had run aground on rocks close to Marker 58R1. The crew assessed those onboard and found them to be safe and well and wearing lifejackets.

The crew then made the decision to tow the vessel to the nearest safe jetty as the casualty vessel could not make good progress without assistance.

Speaking following the call-out, Enniskillen RNLI helm Paul Keown said: “Now that we are in the summer season, we would urge all boat owners to carry out regular maintenance checks on your vessel, make sure you have the relevant charts required before starting your journey, 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.”

Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels on the Erne System that the 2024 Erne Boat Rally will be taking place from Friday 24 to Monday 27 May.

Boaters taking part with gather at Lisnaskea Boat Club on Friday evening for the Commodore’s Dinner and entertainment.

On Saturday morning (25 May), the rally will leave Lisnaskea Boat Club at 10.30am for an afternoon stop at the Round ‘O’ Jetty Enniskillen. All other boaters are advised that the outside front jetty section will be reserved for the rally boats.

At 4.30pm on Saturday the rally departs for an overnight stop at Lough Erne Yacht Club.

Then on Sunday (26 May), the boats will depart at 4pm for an overnight stop and entertainment at Rossharbour Resort.

On Monday morning (27 May). the rally will depart at 11am for a lunch stop at the Round ‘O’ and then move onwards to The Moorings restaurant for the prize-giving and closing entertainment.

The cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways says it thanks its customers for their cooperation in relation to this matter.

Enniskillen RNLI came to aid of two people on Tuesday (7 May) after their boat ran aground near Belleek, Co Fermanagh in Northern Ireland.

The volunteer crew launched their inshore lifeboat, the John and Jean Lewis, at 2.30pm following a request from Belfast Coastguard to go to the aid of those onboard a 21ft vessel.

Winds were southerly, Force 2 at the time and visibility was good.

Helmed by Paul Keown and with three crew onboard, the lifeboat made way to the vicinity of Rough Island before locating the vessel.

The lifeboat crew assessed the situation before assisting those onboard the casualty boat to get their vessel afloat again, ensuring all onboard were safe before returning to station.

Speaking following the call-out, Keown said: “We were glad to be of assistance. We would always advise all boat users to plan their route and carry out regular checks of their vessels prior to going afloat.

“Always remember, if you get into difficulties on the water, the number to call is 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels and waterways users on the Erne System in Northern Ireland that Fermanagh’s annual Classic Fishing Festival will take place on Lough Erne from this Sunday 28 April to Friday 3 May.

Inland waterways users are advised that the Castle/Museums and Henry Street jetties in Enniskillen and the Tom’s Island jetty on Lower Lough Erne will be closed during the angling competition.

Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels on users of the Erne System in Northern Ireland that the downstream section of the Henry Street Floating Jetty in Enniskillen will be closed from this Sunday 21 to next Friday 26 April.

This closure is to accommodate the Mini Mahon’s Festival angling event.

The cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways says it regrets any inconvenience that this may cause and thanks its customers for their cooperation in relation to this matter.