Enniskillen RNLI aid two people stuck on run aground vessel on lower Lough Erne

On Sunday (3 July) afternoon at 1.43pm, Enniskillen RNLI volunteers were paged by Belfast Coastguard to rescue two people on a run aground vessel at Gull Rock, close to Castle Archdale.

At the time of launch, there was a lot of cloud cover and there was a force 5 wind blowing from the north-west. It was this wind that had pushed the casualty’s boat into the north-west facing Gull Rock after developing engine problems.

The inshore lifeboat helmed by Stevie Ingram and with three crew members onboard, launched immediately and went to the scene. On reaching the area of the casualties, the crew discovered that the run aground vessel had suffered from engine difficulties on the shore of Gull Rock and as a result it was taking on water and starting to lean on its side.

Due to the shallow water, the lifeboat could not get alongside the casualty vessel. The crew assessed the situation, and a decision was made for a crew member to swim to the shoreline to reach the boat. The man and woman onboard were safe and well with words of reassurance from the RNLI crew member.

Due to the water intake, a tow line could not be established. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 118 from Sligo was tasked to airlift the two people and the crew member to the nearby St Angelo Airport in Enniskillen.

The casualty vessel was left in position at Gull Rock with its anchor deployed to ensure it did not become a navigation hazard.

Talking after the call out, Enniskillen RNLI Helm Stevie said: ‘We want to commend the people on the vessel for doing the right thing and calling the Coastguard. Sunday’s call out highlights the importance of inter-agency working and we would like to thank our colleagues in Rescue 118.

‘The summer holidays got underway this week and we would remind everyone to enjoy their activities on the lough but to always think safety first. Bring a means of communication with you when you go out on, or near, the water. Even if you’re onshore, and you spot something happening on the water the best thing to do is dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’

Ends

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