Portaferry RNLI assist angling vessel in difficulty off the South Rock

The alarm was raised just before 12.25pm and the lifeboat was dispatched to the scene, some ten miles east of the lifeboat station.  The vessel which had three people on board had developed engine problems in what were described as calm conditions with a force three wind and a slight sea swell.  When on scene the lifeboat crew checked everyone was okay before taking the angling vessel under tow to Portavogie, arriving there at 2pm. The lifeboat was back on station at 2.30pm.

Commenting on the callout Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Brian Bailie said, ‘This was a fairly routine callout for the lifeboat crew and we were glad to be able to offer assistance. However as we approach the busy season and more people are taking to the water for leisure we would advise the public to make sure they check all their equipment is in proper working order. The RNLI offers sea safety advice on RNLI.org/RespectTheWater.’

Ends

RNLI media contacts
For information please contact Bernard Roddy Portaferry RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Tel: 077 173 18003 or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager on 00 353 1 8900 460 or 00 353 87 1254 124 email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Tel: 00 353 87 6483547 email [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.