Bangor RNLI brings powerless yacht safely to Bangor Marina
Bangor RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew launched at 7pm on 5 April 2016 to help in the rescue of a yacht whose engine had failed on passage from Stranraer to Bangor, County Down.
Bangor RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager, Kevin Byers, was first made aware of the situation by Belfast coastguard at 5pm, when the yacht was 15 miles NE of Bangor, and knew that the yacht had been taken in tow by trawler Aurelia and was on its way to Bangor.
As the Aurelia was too large to bring the yacht all the way in to Bangor Marina, the Bangor Lifeboat was launched just after 7pm to complete the rescue.
The yacht, with two adults and two children on board, was under power as there was little wind and the sea was calm. Unfortunately, the engine stopped and they were being carried by the tide.
Volunteer Bangor RNLI helmsman, Gareth Whan, said later “This was a great example of good teamwork. Luckily, the Aurelia was able to bring the yacht most of the way, and we were able to complete the job, bringing it safely into Bangor Marina.
“Unfortunately, regardless of your preparation, engines can break down, and the lifeboat crew were all delighted to bring this group of people safely ashore.
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