Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat Douglas Euan & Kay Richards diverted from a training exercise on Saturday afternoon (3 August) to assess a nine-metre vessel with three people on board which reportedly ran grounded some two miles north-west of the Share Discovery Village.
Weather conditions at the time in this part of Northern Ireland had south-westerly Force 3 winds and excellent visibility.
The volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat proceeded to the casualty vessel’s last known location, and on arrival found the vessel grounded in shallow water. Two other passing cruisers were standing by in case assistance was required.
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.
The crew then assessed the casualty vessel for any damage and water ingress and found all to be in a safe condition, with the vessel being lightly grounded at the bow.
To lighten the casualty vessel, the lifeboat helm asked the master to turn on their water taps in order to lower the amount of domestic water stored in their internal water tanks. It was also decided to transfer two of the persons on board the casualty vessel to one of the cruisers which were standing by.
Once the lifeboat returned to the casualty vessel, the helm carried out a full risk assessment and due to the craft being lightly aground, and to avoid other craft going into the shallows to assist, they deemed the safest option would be for the lifeboat to refloat the casualty vessel, with the owner’s permission being granted, and bring it out into deeper water.
A lifeboat crew member stayed onboard the vessel, and once the craft was safely refloated, they checked the vessel to make sure it had propulsion and steering, and all was fine. The lifeboat crew transferred the two casualty persons back to their own vessel again, the lifeboat was released and the vessel proceeded on its onward journey.
Speaking following the call-out, Chris Cathcart, volunteer helm at Carrybridge RNLI advised all boat users: “Before setting out on your journey, please plan your route ahead using the relevant charts for the area, and carry out regular checks of your current 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.”
