Lough Neagh Rescue Crews Assist Stranded Motorboat After Engine Failure
Thursday 22 October 2026
On Tuesday 20 October, Lough Neagh Rescue volunteer crews were called into action after an 18ft motorboat carrying three people suffered engine failure on Lough Neagh.
The crew of the stricken vessel were able to contact Belfast Coastguard by mobile phone and used what3words technology to share their precise location, helping rescuers quickly establish where assistance was needed.
Lough Neagh Rescue crews launched promptly and located the disabled motorboat approximately two nautical miles north of Derrycrow Fisheries Quay, on the southern shore of Lough Neagh.
Having reached the vessel, the volunteer crew first checked that all three people on board were safe. A towline was then secured, allowing the lifeboat crew to bring the motorboat and its occupants safely back to Kinnego Marina.
On arrival, the volunteers provided further assistance by helping recover the vessel onto its trailer, ensuring the boat and its occupants were safely back ashore.
By 6:00 pm, the lifeboats had returned to station, where crews cleaned and refuelled the vessels and prepared them for their next emergency callout.
The incident serves as a timely reminder to anyone taking to the water on Lough Neagh that even well-maintained boats can experience unexpected mechanical problems.
Having a reliable means of communication and being able to accurately share your location can make a vital difference when requesting emergency assistance. Mobile phones and what3words can help rescuers pinpoint a casualty's position, enabling volunteer crews to reach those in need as quickly and safely as possible.
Lough Neagh Rescue encourages all boat users to prepare for the unexpected, check their equipment before heading out and ensure they can contact the emergency services should the need arise.
