Three people and a dog were brought safely ashore after a narrow boat ran aground on Lower Lough Erne on Tuesday, September 15th.
Enniskillen RNLI’s inshore lifeboat John and Jean Lewis launched at 11.56 am at the request of Belfast Coastguard following a report of the grounding. Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat Douglas, with Euan & Kay Richards, was also requested to launch at 12.06pm to provide additional assistance.
Conditions were cloudy with a light south-westerly wind.
Because of the position of the narrowboat, two volunteer crew members were put ashore and made their way on foot to the vessel.
They found the three people and dog on board safe and well. The group and dog were evacuated from the narrowboat and brought ashore. The three people and two RNLI crew members were then taken by road to Castle Archdale, where they met other RNLI volunteers and members of Lough Erne Coastguard.
Given the narrow boat's position and the surrounding environment, it was safer to leave the vessel where it was. The lifeboat crews subsequently returned to station.
Enniskillen RNLI helm Stephen Ingram said: “The passenger did the right thing by contacting the Coastguard. We were happy to assist.
“Thank you to those involved, including Carrybridge RNLI and Lough Erne Coastguard, who assisted during the call-out.”
