Enniskillen RNLI assists three people after boat gets into difficulty on lake

Sunday 27 July 2025

At 5.23pm on Saturday (26 July), Enniskillen RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, John and Jean Lewis, was launched at the request of Belfast Coastguard, following reports that a boat with three people onboard had got into difficulty close to Lusty Beg Island on the broad lough.

Photo:RNLI/Enniskillen

Winds were westerly, Force 4 at time of launching. It was cloudy, and visibility was fair.

The volunteer crew located the casualty vessel, which had experienced a mechanical fault.

Having assessed those onboard, the crew liaised with Belfast Coastguard, requesting an ambulance for one of the passengers, who had sustained a head injury.

As the boat could not make any safe onward progress, a decision was made to tow the vessel to the shore where the injured person was safely transferred into the care of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. Lough Erne Coastguard assisted onshore.

Speaking following the call out, Enniskillen RNLI Helm Paul Keown, said: ‘We would like to wish the injured person a speedy recovery.

'As people continue to enjoy our lakes over the summer, we would encourage all boat users before setting out on your journey to please plan your route ahead making sure to check the navigational marks on the water. 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.’