Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat Douglas Euan & Kay Richards was launched at the request of Belfast Coastguard late on Wednesday evening (27 May) to assess a four-metre vessel with four people on board, which had broken down about half a mile south of Crom Estate.
Winds were south-easterly Force 3 and visibility was good with clear skies in this part of Northern Ireland when the lifeboat launched around 11.30pm.
Once on scene, the volunteer crew came alongside the casualty vessel and assessed the four people on board who were found to be safe. The lifeboat crew then assessed the casualty vessel and found the engine on the boat would not engage gear.
Due to the vessel’s location, the late hour and the potential to pose a navigational hazard, as they were tied to a navigational marker, it was decided that the safest course of action was to carry out a tow so the people could be brought back to Bun where they had set out from.
Speaking following the call-out, Stephen Scott, volunteer lifeboat press officer at Carrybridge RNLI advised all boat users: “During the start of the busy summer season when more people are making the most of our waterways, we would ask all water users to carry out regular maintenance to their vessels and have a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble as well as having lifejackets for all on board.
“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.”
