Late-Night Call-Out for Carrybridge RNLI as Boat Suffers Engine Failure
- Robert Stone
- 19 hours ago
- 2 min read
Friday 29 May 2026
Carrybridge RNLI volunteers were called into action late on Wednesday night after a small vessel suffered engine failure on Upper Lough Erne.
At 11.24pm on Wednesday 27 May, Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, Douglas Euan & Kay Richards, was launched at the request of Belfast Coastguard to assess a 4-metre vessel with four people on board that had broken down approximately half a mile south of Crom Estate.
Weather conditions at the time were favourable, with south-easterly Force 3 winds, good visibility and clear skies.
Upon arriving on scene, the volunteer lifeboat crew came alongside the casualty vessel and carried out an assessment of the four occupants, who were found to be safe and well.
The crew then examined the vessel and discovered that its engine was unable to engage gear. Given the vessel’s location, the late hour and darkness, as well as the fact that it was tied to a navigational marker, creating a potential hazard to navigation, the crew determined that the safest course of action was to tow the vessel.
With the owner’s permission, the lifeboat established a tow and safely brought the vessel and its occupants back to Bun, from where they had originally departed.
Speaking following the call-out, Stephen Scott, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Carrybridge RNLI, urged boat users to ensure their vessels are properly maintained as activity on the waterways increases during the summer months.
“During the start of the busy summer 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 and have a means of calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble, as well as having lifejackets for all on board,” he said.
“If you see someone in trouble on the water or are in difficulties yourself, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”
