Newcastle RNLI assists two people on broken down leisure craft

The volunteer lifeboat crew was alerted shortly before 8pm (Wednesday 2 June) following a request by Belfast Coastguard that a vessel with two onboard had broken down in Dundrum Bay.

The inshore lifeboat helmed by Niall McMurray, with crew members Declan Barry and Karl Rooney onboard, launched within minutes to the incident.

Weather conditions at the time were described as good with a flat calm sea.

Once on scene, the lifeboat crew observed that the 17 foot leisure craft had experienced engine failure.  The crew checked that the two on board were safe and well before establishing a tow line and proceeding to bring the vessel safely back to Dundrum.

Speaking following the call out, Newcastle RNLI Helm Niall McMurray said: ‘Thankfully both people were not injured and we were able to help bring them safely back to shore.
‘We would encourage anyone planning to go in or near water especially during this hot weather spell to enjoy themselves but to always respect the water. Check your boat and equipment before every trip, carry a means of communication should you get into any difficulty and always wear a lifejacket.’

Ends

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For more information please telephone Edel Cosgrove, Newcastle RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07854 383166, email [email protected] or contact Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Ireland on  00353876483547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager Ireland on 00 353 87 1254 124 or [email protected]

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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.

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