Enniskillen RNLI's inshore lifeboat launched twice in the final weeks of June to assist seven people and a dog during separate incidents on Lower Lough Erne. The volunteer crew aboard the John and Jean Lewis lifeboat responded to requests from Belfast Coastguard on Sunday, 21 June and Sunday, 28 June.
The first call came shortly before midnight on 21 June, after five people aboard a speedboat suffered engine failure.
In calm conditions with force two easterly winds, the RNLI crew located the vessel and decided the safest option was to tow it to Muckross Jetty. The boat could not be safely secured where it had broken down, posing a potential hazard to other water users. All five people aboard were unharmed. The lifeboat returned to the station at 3 am and was prepared for its next service.
Following the rescue, helm Paul Keown urged boat owners to prepare before heading afloat. "As we come into the busy season, when more people are making the most of our waterways, we would ask all water users to carry out regular maintenance on their vessels, plan your route ahead, making sure to check the navigational marks on the water and have a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble," he said.
The second call came shortly after 10 am on Sunday, 28 June, after reports of a boat taking on water near Crevinishaughy.
Conditions had deteriorated, with force five south-westerly winds and squally showers. By the time the RNLI arrived, two nearby boats had helped bring the casualty vessel safely alongside the north jetty. The two people aboard, along with their dog, were assessed by the crew and found to be safe and well before being taken to Castle Archdale Marina.
Helm Stephen Ingram thanked those who assisted before the lifeboat arrived. "Thank you to the two gentlemen who assisted with the situation. We were pleased to be of assistance. If you see someone or something in trouble on the water or are in difficulties yourself, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard," he said.
