Carrybridge RNLI volunteers were called into action on Monday afternoon after a 13-metre Dutch barge carrying two people and two dogs ran aground on Lough Erne. The station's inshore lifeboat, Douglas Euan & Kay Richards, launched at 3.49 pm on Monday 10 August at the request of Belfast Coastguard to assess the vessel, which had grounded about two miles west of Kilmore Quay.
Weather conditions were calm, with light westerly Force 1 winds, good visibility and partly cloudy skies.
On reaching the casualty vessel, the volunteer crew found both people on board safe and well and wearing lifejackets. The two dogs were also checked and found to be calm. The lifeboat crew confirmed the barge had suffered no water ingress and remained in a safe condition, but it was firmly aground in very shallow water just off the main navigation channel.
After assessing the situation, the helm determined that the safest option was for the vessel's owner to arrange assistance from an independent recovery company to refloat the barge. Carrybridge RNLI remained on scene until the recovery team arrived.
Once the vessel had been successfully refloated, RNLI volunteers carried out a final welfare check before the barge continued its journey under its own power. The lifeboat then returned to station and was made ready for service.
Following the call-out, Carrybridge RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Chris Cathcart urged boat users to prepare carefully before heading afloat. "With people making the most of the exceptionally good weather which we have been encountering recently, we are seeing more people making the most of our wonderful waterways," he said.
"We would advise all boat users before setting out on your journey to please plan your route ahead using the relevant charts for the area, making sure to check the navigational marks on the water against those shown on your chart. "Have a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble and have lifejackets for all on board. 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."
