Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat launched on Sunday evening (2 June) at the request of Belfast Coastguard to assess an eight-metre vessel with four people on board which had lost steering south of Crom Castle.
Winds were north-westerly Force 2 and visibility was excellent when the lifeboat volunteers set out shortly after 8pm and proceeded to the casualty vessel’s last known location.
On arrival, they found the vessel’s owner using its engine to avoid grounding. They assessed the wellbeing of the casualties on board and found them to be safe and well.
Upon assessing the vessel, the lifeboat crew found that it had lost all means of steering which rendered it from being able to proceed.
The lifeboat helm deemed the safest option would be to set up a tow and bring the casualty vessel back to the safest public jetty at Carrybridge, to remove it from the navigation channel and avoid it running aground.
One crew member from the lifeboat was placed on board the casualty vessel to assist, and the casualties were handed over to the Lough Erne Coastguard team at Derryad jetty.
Less than 24 hours previously, at 11.04pm on Saturday night (1 June), Carrybridge RNLI was requested to launch for a search following a potential sighting of a red distress flare.
A member of the public reported what they believed to be a flare some two miles south-east of Carrybridge. The lifeboat crew searched the water and the shoreline in this area but found nothing. The coastguard called off the search at 11.55pm and the crew returned to station.
Stephen Scott, lifeboat operations manager at Carrybridge RNLI advised all boat users: “Before setting out on your journey please plan your route taking note of your location as you travel. Have a means of calling for assistance, have lifejackets for all on board and plan your journey using the relevant charts.
“As more people start to enjoy the waterways, if you see a red distress flare, 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.”
