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.”
