Kilkeel RNLI responds to Mayday as boat takes on water near Carlingford Marina
Kilkeel RNLI responded to a Mayday recently after two people onboard a small pleasure boat got into difficulty and the vessel began to take on water on its approach to Carlingford Marina.
On Wednesday evening (27 May), the volunteer crew were on a routine training exercise on their new Shannon class lifeboat, when they were diverted to respond to a Mayday.
The lifeboat under RNLI Coxswain Afloat Mechanic Andrew Lynas with crew members Gerry Smyth, William Kearney, Chris McConnell, Julie Annett and Andrew Young onboard, immediately proceeded to the scene.
Weather conditions at the time were described as good with a Force 3 north easterly wind and smooth seas, a clear sky and good visibility.
Arriving on scene at 9.30pm, the crew assessed the situation before accompanying the boat as it made its way to a pontoon in the marina where the two onboard disembarked. The lifeboat then manoeuvred alongside the boat and the crew, working with colleagues from Greenore Coast Guard, quickly and efficiently applied their training to use their salvage pump to drain the boat which was then lifted out by crane.
Speaking following responding, Andrew Lynas, RNLI Coxswain Afloat Mechanic, said ‘We want to wish both people well and commend the lifeboat crew and our colleagues from Greennore Coast Guard who responded brilliantly and professionally to achieve a positive outcome. It was great for our crew involved who have been working endlessly in recent months to prepare the Shannon for service, to put their skills and training into action.
‘As we approach the summer months, we would encourage anyone planning on sailing or motor boating to check the weather forecast, wind conditions and tide times before going afloat. Always wear a suitable, correctly fitted lifejacket at all times, carry a reliable means of calling for help such as a VHF radio or fully charged mobile phone and let someone know where you are going and when you are due back. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’
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