At 2.09pm on Saturday, 13 May, Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore relief lifeboat, Roy Snewin was launched at the request of Belfast Coastguard, to assess a vessel with six people on board, which had run broken down close to Corradillar jetty at Lady Craigavon bridge with a steering failure.
Winds were South Westerly, Force 2. Visibility was good.
The volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat located the casualty vessel, which had been able to set its anchor to stop the boat from drifting. The crew assessed the casualties and found them to be well.
The crew then assessed the casualty vessel and were able to aid with a temporary repair. This enabled the crew of the casualty boat to continue with their trip. A lifeboat crew member stayed on board to ensure this repair was successful for the first part of the onward journey, with the lifeboat following behind before transferring the crew member back to the lifeboat.
The following day, Sunday 14 May, Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was requested to launch at 12.54 pm at the request of Belfast Coastguard following a report of a boat explosion on Upper Lough Erne at Crom. One person was understood to be injured.
The lifeboat launched immediately and made its way to the scene. The Northern Ireland Air Ambulance, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the PSNI were also tasked. Once on scene the crew observed that the casualty was in care of the ambulance service. The lifeboat stood by during the incident to ensure other vessels on the water were kept back. The lifeboat was stood down at 3.15 pm.
Speaking following the call outs, Stephen Scott, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Carrybridge RNLI advised all boat users: ‘‘Before setting out on your journey please plan your route using the relevant charts and carry out regular checks of your position whilst you proceed. 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.’’
