Busy Week for Lough Neagh Rescue as Crews Attend Multiple Incidents

Sunday 31 May 2026

Volunteer lifeboat crews from Lough Neagh Rescue have completed a demanding week of emergency responses after attending three separate incidents across the lough in as many days.

Photo Credit: Lough Neagh Rescue

The latest callout occurred at 4:43pm on Thursday, 28 May, when volunteer crews were tasked to assist a vessel that had run aground on Owen Roe Island, outside Kinnego Bay. The incident took place in challenging weather conditions, with strong winds affecting the area.

All individuals on board were reported safe and unharmed. Rescue crews successfully refloated and towed the casualty vessel back to Kinnego Marina without further incident.

The grounding was the third callout handled by Lough Neagh Rescue crews during a busy period that saw volunteers from Kinnego, Ardboe and Antrim stations mobilised on consecutive days.

On Wednesday, 27 May, crews responded after a speedboat suffered engine failure near Six Mile Water, Antrim. The vessel and its occupants were safely assisted back to shore.

A day earlier, on Tuesday, 26 May, rescuers were called to another grounding incident near Kinnego Marina, where a vessel carrying three people became stranded in strong winds. The vessel was successfully towed back to the marina.

Lough Neagh Rescue praised the dedication of its volunteer crews, who continue to provide a vital emergency response service across the lough while balancing family and work commitments. Volunteers regularly undertake training to remain operationally ready and available for callouts at short notice.

The organisation also used the opportunity to remind boat users of the importance of preparation and safety when heading onto the water, particularly during periods of unsettled weather.

Boaters are advised to ensure all persons on board wear lifejackets, carry a working marine radio and mobile phone, bring appropriate warm clothing, and check weather forecasts before departing. Rescue officials noted that conditions on Lough Neagh can change rapidly and urged mariners to plan ahead and be prepared for unexpected situations.

The series of incidents serves as a timely reminder of the challenges faced by recreational boaters and the critical role played by volunteer rescue services in maintaining safety on Northern Ireland's largest inland waterway.