Enniskillen RNLI assists eight people during two Lower Lough Erne call-outs

Monday 13 July 2026

Enniskillen RNLI volunteers assisted eight people during two separate emergency call-outs in the Lusty Beg area of Lower Lough Erne on consecutive days, responding to a drifting vessel and later supporting a multi-agency search for a missing person.

Photo: RNLI/Enniskillen

The first incident occurred shortly before 3pm on Thursday, 9 July, when Belfast Coastguard requested the launch of Enniskillen RNLI's inshore lifeboat John and Jean Lewis to assess a vessel that had lost power and was drifting.

Weather conditions were favourable, with light westerly winds (Force 1) and good visibility.

The volunteer crew quickly located the casualty vessel and found the seven people on board safe and well. After determining the boat was suffering from mechanical problems, the crew decided the safest course of action was to tow the vessel to the nearest jetty.

Following the successful rescue, the lifeboat returned to station where it was refuelled and prepared for its next service.

Reflecting on the incident, Enniskillen RNLI Lifeboat Helm Andy Wilson reminded boat users of the importance of preparation as the summer season brings increased activity on the water.

"As we come into the busy season, when more people are making the most of our waterways, we would ask all water users to carry out regular maintenance to their vessels, plan your route ahead, making sure to check the navigational marks on the water and have a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble."

Less than 32 hours later, shortly before 10.30pm on Friday, 10 July, the John and Jean Lewis was launched again after Belfast Coastguard received reports of a missing person in the vicinity of Lusty Beg Island.

Conditions during the second incident included south-westerly winds of Force 3 with good visibility.

Enniskillen RNLI joined colleagues from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Lough Erne Coastguard Rescue Team and Coleraine Coastguard Rescue Team in the search operation.

The missing person was subsequently located by PSNI officers, allowing Belfast Coastguard to stand down the search. The RNLI crew then returned to station and made the lifeboat ready for service once again.

Enniskillen RNLI Lifeboat Helm Kane Howe praised the joint response and reminded the public how to summon help in an emergency.

"We were pleased to assist during this multi-agency search operation. 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."