Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat Douglas Euan & Kay Richards was afloat on a training exercise on Sunday morning (18 August) when the volunteer crew came across a 13-metre vessel with four people and 2 dogs on board, which had run aground in Tamlaght Bay.
The inshore lifeboat was proceeding towards Enniskillen in Northern Ireland as part of the exercise at 10.40am when the crew sighted the vessel, which was noted to be in very shallow water and side on to the weather at the end of Tamlaght Bay two miles upstream from Bellanaleck. Winds were westerly Force 4 and visibility was excellent with sunny conditions.
This information was immediately relayed to Belfast Coastguard, who asked the lifeboat crew were asked to assess the casualty vessel and those on board.
The lifeboat proceeded into Tamlaght Bay with caution towards the grounded vessel, with crew taking depth soundings until they were alongside. They assessed the well-being of all board as well as the vessel itself and all was found to be safe and well.
The helm of the lifeboat had a discussion with the master of the casualty vessel, and it was established that they had called its owner, who was going to come out to them in a rescue boat to refloat their vessel again.
Further contact was made by the helm with the vessel’s owner, and they provided further information on its exact location, its condition and the well-being of the crew onboard.
It was decided that the safest option would be for the lifeboat and its volunteer crew to remain alongside the casualty vessel for reassurance, until the owner arrived in their rescue vessel.
Once the casualty vessel was refloated, the lifeboat escorted both vessels out of Tamlaght Bay before continuing with their training exercise just before noon. Lough Erne Coastguard Rescue Team were also in attendance.
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.”