Carrybridge RNLI assist 10 people in 2 separate rescues
- Robert Stone
- Aug 15
- 3 min read
Friday 15 August 2025
At 9.42pm on Thursday 14 August, Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, Douglas Euan & Kay Richards was launched at the request of Belfast Coastguard, to assess a 6.5 metre vessel with four people on board, which had lost engine power close to the Inishmore Viaduct.
Winds were Northwesterly, Force 1. Visibility was good with clear skies and fading light.
The volunteer crew located the casualty vessel approx. one mile northwest of Knockninny public jetty and came alongside. They assessed the four people on board who were safe and well and assisted to make sure they were all safely wearing lifejackets. After checking the vessel, it was found that the engine stopped due to it being caught up in excess weed growth. With light fading rapidly and due to the vessel’s location, the helm deemed the safest option to take was to tow the vessel back to the owner’s private jetty at Carrybridge. With the owner’s permission the craft was towed back to Carrybridge and handed over to the Lough Erne Coastguard Rescue Team.
A few days prior to this at 8.30pm on Friday 8 August whilst the lifeboat was out on a training exercise, they were diverted by Belfast Coastguard to assess a 5 metre fishing vessel with six people on board North of Naan Island which had broken down and was being assisted by another smaller craft which had been passing by. Winds were Southwesterly, Force 4. Visibility was good with clear skies and fading light.
The volunteer lifeboat crew came along side the casualty craft and assessed the six people on board, who were safe and well. The lifeboat crew assisted in making sure all were wearing the appropriate lifejackets.
They assessed the casualty vessel for any damage and water ingress and found all to be in a safe condition, however it was noted by the master of the vessel that their engine had stopped and would not restart again. With nightfall approaching rapidly and to make sure they made it back to shore safely, the helm noted the safest option was to take over the towing of the casualty vessel with the owner’s permission and bring them back to the location where they set out from, which was carried out successfully.
Speaking following the call out, Chris Cathcart, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Carrybridge RNLI advised all boat users: ‘‘With people making the most of the glorious good weather which we are encountering, we have noticed more people making the most of our wonderful waterways. We would advise all boat users before setting out on your journey to please plan your route ahead using the relevant charts for the area and carry out regular checks of your current position whilst you proceed. Carry out regular maintenance to their vessels and have a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble as well as having lifejackets for all on board. Currently there is a lot of weed growth on Upper Lough Erne and it is worth watching for areas of heavier growth you would want to avoid.
If you see someone or something in trouble on the water or are in difficulties yourself the number to dial is: 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’’
