Enniskillen RNLI assists six people during two call-outs on Lower Lough Erne
Thursday 15 October 2026
Enniskillen RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, JOHN AND JEAN LEWIS, assisted six people during two separate call-outs on Lower Lough Erne within 48 hours after two vessels encountered mechanical difficulties.
Belfast Coastguard requested the launch of Enniskillen RNLI’s volunteer crew on Tuesday 6 October and again on Wednesday 7 October to assist the vessels in separate incidents.
At 1.35pm on Tuesday 6 October, the volunteer crew was tasked following reports that a fishing boat was experiencing mechanical difficulties on the lough. Conditions at the time included north-westerly Force 4 winds and good visibility.
The lifeboat crew located the vessel and, once alongside, assessed the wellbeing of the two people on board, confirming that both were safe and well. The two casualties were transferred to the lifeboat while a crew member boarded the fishing boat to assist with its recovery.
The vessel was then towed to Trory public jetty, where members of the Lough Erne Coastguard Team received the casualties.
At 5pm the following day, Wednesday 7 October, the volunteer crew was requested to launch again by Belfast Coastguard, this time to assist a boat experiencing engine problems near Muckross.
With south-westerly Force 2 winds and good visibility, the lifeboat crew located the casualty vessel and confirmed that all four people on board were safe and well. Following an assessment of the situation and the vessel’s location, the helm and crew determined that the safest option was to tow the boat to a safe location.
Speaking following the call-outs, Kane Howe, Volunteer Lifeboat Helm at Enniskillen RNLI, said: “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, making sure to check the navigational marks on the water against those shown on your chart.”
Volunteer Lifeboat Helm Rory Hoy added: “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.”
