Four Callouts Highlight Busy Weekend for Carrybridge RNLI Volunteers

Monday 25 May 2026

Volunteer crews at the RNLI lifeboat station at Carrybridge were kept busy over the holiday weekend after being tasked four times within a 48-hour period on Lower Lough Erne.

Busy holiday weekend as Carrybridge RNLI are tasked 4 times within 48 hours. Photo Credit: RNLI/Carrybridge

The series of incidents began at 1.08pm on Saturday 23 June when the station’s inshore lifeboat Douglas Euan & Kay Richards was requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard to assess a 10-metre vessel with one person onboard which had broken down approximately one mile downstream from Carrybridge.

Weather conditions at the time were favourable, with south-westerly Force 3 winds and good visibility under clear skies.

However, while volunteer crew members were preparing to launch, Belfast Coastguard confirmed that another passing cruiser had taken the casualty vessel under tow and no further assistance was required. The lifeboat was subsequently stood down and returned to readiness.

Later that evening at 6.20pm, the inshore lifeboat was launched again following reports of a 10.5-metre vessel with five people onboard which had drifted into shallow waters and was unable to navigate back into deeper water.

The volunteer crew located the vessel close to a reed bank and near the main navigation channel. After confirming that all five people onboard were safe, well and wearing lifejackets, the crew assessed the vessel and found it to be in a safe condition.

Due to the vessel’s exposed position and the potential navigational hazard it posed to other water users, the decision was made to tow the casualty vessel into deeper water with the owner’s permission. Once safely relocated, the vessel was found to be fully operational and continued its onward journey under its own power.

The third callout came on Sunday 24 May at 5.14pm when Carrybridge RNLI was tasked to assess another 10.5-metre vessel carrying three adults and a child after it struck a submerged object in the main navigation channel approximately one mile north-east of Knockninny.

The impact caused the vessel to drift into unmarked navigational waters. On arrival, RNLI volunteers found the casualty vessel at anchor to prevent further drifting.

All onboard were reported safe and wearing lifejackets. Following checks of both the passengers and the vessel, the crew again determined that towing the vessel to deeper, safer water was the best course of action due to prevailing weather conditions and navigational risks in the area.

After being brought clear of danger, the vessel was confirmed to be fully operational and resumed its journey.

The station’s fourth and final launch took place later that evening at 11.17pm when Carrybridge RNLI was requested to assist Enniskillen RNLI in the search for an overdue jet ski user near Castle Archdale Caravan Park on Lower Lough Erne.

Volunteer crews travelled to Enniskillen and began coordinated searches from the Killyhevlin Hotel public jetty, searching surrounding waterways under the direction of Belfast Coastguard.

While the search operation was underway, the missing person returned home safe and well to Castle Archdale. All agencies involved were stood down shortly before midnight.

Also involved in the search were Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118 based in Sligo, the Lough Erne Coastguard Rescue Team and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Speaking after the busy weekend, Carrybridge RNLI Volunteer Helm Chris Cathcart urged boat users to take precautions before heading onto the water.

“This was a busy few days for the volunteer crew, whilst the lake became very busy with people making the most of the exceptional good weather which we encountered over the holiday weekend,” he said.

“Before setting out on your journey we would urge all boat owners to carry out regular maintenance checks on your vessel, make sure you have the relevant charts required before starting your journey, lifejackets for all on board and a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble.

“If you see someone in trouble on the water or are in difficulties yourself the number to dial is 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”