Carrybridge RNLI launched on Tuesday evening after a six-metre sailing yacht with two people on board ran aground south of Kilmore Quay on Lough Erne. The inshore lifeboat Douglas Euan & Kay Richards was requested by Belfast Coastguard at 8.23 pm to assess the situation. Conditions were calm, with light westerly winds and good visibility.
As the volunteer crew neared the reported position, Belfast Coastguard advised that the yacht had already refloated and was under its own power. The lifeboat continued to the vessel to confirm the safety of those on board and assess whether any assistance was still required.
The yacht was located about one mile south of the original grounding position as it was berthing at a private marina. RNLI volunteers spoke with the owners, who confirmed they were uninjured and that the yacht had suffered no damage.
The update was passed to Belfast Coastguard before the lifeboat returned to the station, where it was made ready for its next service.
The Lough Erne Coastguard Rescue Team also attended by land.
Following the call-out, Carrybridge RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Stephen Scott urged boat users to plan their passages carefully. "During the start of the busy summer season, and with this great spell of summer weather we are now encountering, we are seeing more people making the most of our wonderful waterways," he said.
Scott advised skippers to plan routes using up-to-date charts, check navigational marks, carry lifejackets for everyone on board and ensure they have a reliable means of calling for help. He added, "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."
