
Bangor lifeboat called to search for three missing divers
Bangor volunteer lifeboat crew were launched at 17:23 yesterday (Wednesday 8 June) to search for three missing divers off Blackhead, North of the mouth of Belfast Lough.
The three divers were on the final day of a deep diving training course, and when they re-surfaced the fast-moving tide had moved them out of sight of their dive boat, which is based at Ballyholme Yacht Club.
Arriving at the scene, the crew of the relief Bangor lifeboat, Tabby Cat, commenced a search pattern, until they were advised that the divers had been found safe.
Larne inshore lifeboat located the casualties on an inaccessible part of the coastline, after a 1hr 45 minute swim ashore. The divers were safe and well, and were returned to Ballyholme Yacht Club.
Bangor RNLI volunteer helm, Micky McKenna, said 'We are delighted that these divers were found safe and well, and the crew and I were happy to help in the search. It was particularly tricky as visibility was not great, and the divers had been moved some way by the tide.'
Ends
RNLI media contacts
For information please contact Mark Johnston Bangor RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Tel: 07976 256655 email: [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager on 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.