Carrybridge RNLI called out to 2 incidents within 24 hours

Winds were North Westerly, Force 2. Visibility was excellent.

The volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat proceeded to the vessels last known location, and on arrival found the owner using the vessels engine to avoid grounding. They assessed the wellbeing of the casualties on board and found them to be safe and well.

Upon assessing the casualty vessel the volunteer crew found the vessel to have lost all means of steering which rendered it from being able to proceed. The helm deemed the safest option would be for the lifeboat and its crew to set up a tow, with the owners permission being granted, and bring it back to the safest public jetty at Carrybridge, to remove the vessel from the navigation channel and avoid the vessel running aground. One crew member from the lifeboat was placed on board the casualty vessel to assist. The casualties were handed over to the Lough Erne Coastguard Team at Derryad jetty.

Once complete, the lifeboat was released to return to station where it was refuelled, washed down and left ready for service again.

Also on the previous evening, Saturday 01 June at 11.04pm, the Coastguard requested that the lifeboat crew go and commence a search following a potential sighting of a red distress flare. The member of the public thought this was in an area approx. 2 miles South East of Carrybridge. The crew searched the water and the shoreline in this area but found nothing. The Coastguard called off the search at 11.55pm and the crew returned to the station.

Speaking following the call out, Stephen Scott, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Carrybridge RNLI advised all boat users: ‘‘Before setting out on your journey please plan your route taking note of your location as you travel. Have a means of calling for assistance, have lifejackets for all on board and plan your journey using the relevant charts. As more people start to enjoy the waterways if you see a red distress flare, 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.’’

Ends

Notes to editors

· Carrybridge Lifeboat Station was started in 2002 on Upper Lough Erne. It currently operates an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat and a Rescue Water Craft

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For more information, please contact Chris Cathcart, Carrybridge RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07595895908, email [email protected] or Stephen Scott, Carrybridge RNLI Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07786228968, email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 00353 87 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 00353 87 1254 124 or [email protected] or Tom McGuire, Regional Communications Manager on 00353 874764436 or email [email protected]

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