Carrybridge RNLI volunteers were called out in the early hours of Thursday morning after an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) was activated on Upper Lough Erne.
The inshore lifeboat Douglas Euan & Kay Richards launched at 6.26 am at the request of Belfast Coastguard to investigate a distress signal approximately one mile east of Crom Estate. Conditions were calm, with easterly Force 1 winds, good visibility and clear skies.
On arrival, the volunteer crew searched the immediate area but found no sign of a vessel or anyone in difficulty. The search was then widened across the waters around Crom Estate and towards Belturbet. During the operation, the crew detected the EPIRB signal from five separate locations, enabling them to establish a common bearing, which was passed to Belfast Coastguard.
Lough Erne Coastguard Rescue Team carried out a simultaneous search ashore, while Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118, based at Sligo, was tasked to assist.
Using information provided by the lifeboat crew, the helicopter quickly pinpointed the source of the signal. The lifeboat crew approached the location by water while the Coastguard Rescue Team travelled by road. The activated EPIRB was located at a private property on the lakeshore.
It was confirmed that no one was in danger and that the activation had been accidental. All emergency response units were then stood down.
Speaking after the callout, Carrybridge RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Chris Cathcart said: "This was an early callout for the crew for an activation of an EPIRB, which is always taken very seriously. Thankfully, this was resolved after some hours of searching, with it being a false activation." He added, "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."
