Donaghadee RNLI start the New Year with callout to jet ski pair in difficulty
Donaghadee RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew assisted two people to safety this morning (1 January) after they got into difficulty on their jet ski and a member of the public raised the alarm.
The volunteer crew were paged at 11.42am by Belfast Coastguard for immediate launch of the RNLI All Weather Lifeboat Saxon upon reports from a member of the public in Ballyhalbert Bay that a jet ski with two people on board appeared to be in trouble.
The lifeboat crew proceeded to the reported location, due west of Ballyhalbert Beach and approximately one mile North of Burial Island where two men were assisted onboard the lifeboat and their jet ski was taken under tow to Ballyharbert Harbour.
They were wearing appropriate clothing for the conditions and conditions at the time were Westerly 6-8 with a rough sea.
Donaghadee RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Peter Irwin said, ‘ Following the call for assistance we were able to locate the jet ski with two people onboard quickly in what was worsening conditions, thanks to the quick thinking of a member of the public alerting the Coastguard.’
‘We would remind anyone going to sea to carry a means of communication in case of emergency, and let someone know when they are due to be back. Thanks to our volunteer crew who gave up their New Years Day plans in response to the page.’
Ends
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For more information please telephone Margaret Ramm, Donaghadee RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07746633365, email
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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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