HMGC paged LNR @ 23:40hrs on Sunday June 29th to reports of two small speed boats in difficulty between church point and Blackards rock. Both Kinnego & Ardboe lifeboats launched quickly. In poor visibility the lifeboats used their thermal imaging cameras to scan the area. Kinnego lifeboat searched along the east and south east shores. Further information was then received that the casualty vessels were in Maghery Canal. This information was checked out but no vessels had reached that area. Ardboe & Kinnego Lifeboats then widened the search and spotted 1 vessel with 3 casualties on board towing the other casualty vessel. The lifeboats on arrival to the casualty vessels assisted there passage to Maghery Canal and gave advice to all crew persons. Both vessels had sustained hull and prop damage. Both lifeboats where then stood down by coastguard and back in base at 01:45hrs.
For emergencies on Lough Neagh and it’s tributary rivers call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
