Donaghadee and Bangor RNLI escort 10 dinghy sailors caught in offshore wind
Volunteers from Donaghadee and Bangor RNLI were requested to launch their lifeboats this evening (Thursday 3 August) after a group of dinghy sailors got into difficulty off the County Down coast.
The inshore lifeboat from Bangor and the all-weather lifeboat from Donaghadee launched shortly after 5pm following a report from Belfast Coastguard that two dinghies with 10 people onboard were in difficulty in an area off South Briggs.
Weather conditions at the time were dry and sunny with a north west Force 4 wind blowing.
The sailors had got caught out by an offshore wind which made it difficult for them to make any headway back to land.
Once on scene, the lifeboat crews observed that the five people onboard each dinghy had managed to regain control.
Both lifeboats then escorted the sailors safely back to Ballyholme.
Speaking following the call out, Peter Irwin, Donaghadee RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘Sailing is a popular activity on the County Down coastline especially at this time of year. Weather can change no matter how well you prepare for your trip and it was an offshore wind that caused problems this evening but thankfully all are safe and well. We would remind anyone going to sea this summer to respect the water. Always wear a lifejacket and always carry a means of calling or signalling for help. Should you get into difficulty dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’
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