Carrybridge RNLI assists two vessels as new helm completes first callout
Friday 25 September 2026
Carrybridge RNLI volunteers have assisted two vessels in recent days, including a 9-metre vessel which ran aground west of Kilmore Quay, with the latest callout also marking the first shout for the station’s newest helm.
At 2.50pm on Tuesday 22 September, Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat Douglas Euan & Kay Richards was launched at the request of Belfast Coastguard to assist a 9-metre vessel with two people on board which had run aground approximately two miles west of Kilmore Quay.
Conditions at the time were favourable, with south-westerly Force 3 winds, clear skies and good visibility.
The volunteer lifeboat crew located the casualty vessel, which was aground just off the main navigation channel. Once alongside, the crew checked the wellbeing of the two people on board, who were found to be safe and well and wearing lifejackets.
The vessel itself was also inspected and found to be in a safe condition, with no signs of water ingress. However, it was located in an area of very shallow water.
After assessing the situation, the lifeboat helm and crew determined that the safest course of action was for the vessel’s owner to arrange assistance from an independent recovery company to refloat the vessel. The information was passed to Belfast Coastguard, while the Carrybridge volunteers also assisted the owner in contacting a recovery company.
The two people on board were happy to remain with their vessel while arrangements were made for its recovery. They were advised that, should they require any further assistance, they should contact Belfast Coastguard.
The callout was particularly significant for Matthew Nelson, Carrybridge RNLI’s newest helm, as it was his first operational shout since passing out as a helm on Wednesday 19 August 2026.
Matthew can now take command of the lifeboat during both exercises and emergency callouts, marking an important milestone in his volunteering journey with the station.
The recent callout followed another incident just days earlier, on Friday 18 September, when the Carrybridge RNLI crew encountered a vessel experiencing difficulties while trying to moor in complete darkness.
At approximately 8.15pm, the lifeboat crew were launching for a training exercise when they came across the casualty vessel within the Carrybridge area. The crew went alongside and established that everyone on board was safe and well. They also checked the vessel and found it to be in good condition.
The vessel’s owner requested assistance with getting safely moored for the night, and the request was relayed to Belfast Coastguard.
The lifeboat crew secured their own vessel before three volunteers made their way to one of the public jetties at Carrybridge. From there, they guided the casualty vessel until it was safely secured for the night.
Once the vessel was safely moored, the volunteers returned to the lifeboat and continued with their planned training exercise.
Speaking following the recent callouts, Chris Cathcart, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Carrybridge RNLI, reminded boat users of the importance of preparing for the changing conditions as the evenings draw in.
“As the darker and longer evenings are now moving in, we would ask all boaters to make sure you are safely moored up before darkness sets in.
“We would advise all boat users, before setting out on your journey, to please plan your route ahead using the relevant charts and also allow extra time for your journey.
“Have a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble and have lifejackets for all on board.
“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.”
The Carrybridge RNLI volunteers continue to train regularly to ensure they are ready to respond when called upon, day or night.
