Enniskillen RNLI volunteers assisted six people during two separate callouts on Lower Lough Erne over 48 hours after mechanical problems left two boats requiring assistance.
Enniskillen RNLI's inshore lifeboat, John and Jean Lewis, was launched twice on Tuesday, 6 October, and Wednesday, 7 October, following requests from Belfast Coastguard.
The two incidents involved a fishing boat carrying two people and a second vessel with four people aboard, both experiencing mechanical difficulties on Lower Lough Erne.
Fishing Boat Towed to Trory Jetty
The first callout came at 1.35pm on Tuesday, 6 October, when the volunteer crew was requested to assist a fishing boat experiencing mechanical problems.
Conditions were good, with north-westerly Force 4 winds and good visibility.
The lifeboat crew located the vessel and confirmed that both people aboard were safe and well. They were transferred to the lifeboat while a crew member boarded the fishing boat to assist with its recovery.
The vessel was subsequently towed to Trory public jetty, where members of the Lough Erne Coastguard Team met those involved.
Four People Assisted Near Muckross
At 5pm the following day, Wednesday, 7 October, Belfast Coastguard tasked the Enniskillen lifeboat to assist another boat experiencing engine problems near Muckross.
Weather conditions were favourable, with south-westerly Force 2 winds and good visibility.
The volunteer crew located the vessel and confirmed that all four people aboard were safe and well.
After assessing the situation and the vessel's location, the lifeboat helm and crew decided that towing it to a safe location was the most appropriate course of action.
Enniskillen RNLI volunteers have responded to several similar incidents on Lower Lough Erne this year. In June, the John and Jean Lewis assisted seven people and a dog during two separate callouts, including a speedboat experiencing engine failure near Muckross.
More recently, Enniskillen and Carrybridge RNLI crews assisted three people and a dog after a narrowboat ran aground on the lough in September.
RNLI Issues Safety Reminder
Following the two callouts, Enniskillen RNLI volunteer lifeboat helm Kane Howe reminded boat users of the importance of planning ahead.
"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 to those shown on your chart," he said.
Volunteer lifeboat helm Rory Hoy also urged boat users to carry suitable safety equipment and a reliable means of communication.
"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 the number to dial is: 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard."
