Enniskillen RNLI launches inshore lifeboat following reports of a boat adrift
Enniskillen RNLI launched their inshore lifeboat, the John and Jean Lewis, at 10.30am on Saturday (13 April) following a request from Belfast Coastguard that a fishing boat was adrift close to the Horse Island, near Kesh.
Winds were westerly, force 5 at the time and visibility was cloudy.
The lifeboat helmed by Stephen Ingram and with three crew members onboard, subsequently conducted a search of all the area including the shoreline. The volunteer crew searched the area around the Kesh river and Hayes marina and onto Muckross Bay and public jetty area. However, it was established that the casualty vessel had managed to return to shore prior to RNLI arrival.
Speaking following the call out, Enniskillen RNLI Helm Stephen Ingram said: 'We would like to commend the member of the public who raised the alarm when they were concerned, that is always the right thing to do. We would always much rather launch and find that all is safe and well than not launch at all.'
ENDS
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.