Enniskillen RNLI assist two people after boat experiences mechanical issues
At 4.50pm on Wednesday (9 August), Enniskillen RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, John and Jean Lewis, was launched at the request of Belfast Coastguard.
The volunteer crew launched to assess a Shetland cruiser with two people onboard, which had encountered mechanical issues, close to the lock gates at Portora, Enniskillen.
Winds were South Easterly, Force 1. Visibility was good with light showers.
The volunteer crew located the casualty vessel which had broken down and was drifting. The crew assessed those onboard and found them to be safe and well and wearing lifejackets.
The vessel made its way to the Round O, followed by the lifeboat crew, for safety.
Once the casualty vessel was safety secured at its berth, the lifeboat returned to station where it was left ready for its next callout.
Speaking following the call out, Alan Shaw, Volunteer Helm at Enniskillen RNLI advised all boat users: “Now that we are in the summer season, we would urge all boat owners to carry out regular maintenance checks on your vessel, make sure you have the relevant charts required before starting your journey, lifejackets for all on board and a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble. If you see someone in trouble on the water or are in difficulties yourself the number to dial is 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.
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