Portaferry RNLI launch to broken down fishing vessel
Volunteer crew from Portaferry RNLI launched to reports that a boat with three people on board had suffered engine failure one mile from Strangford Narrows, within Strangford Lough
The volunteer crew launched at 2:50pm on Saturday (20 April). The crew were paged whilst participating in a crew day where the crew cleaned the boat and the station.
The lifeboat launched in sunny weather conditions with good, clear visibility and little wind. The Portaferry crew arrived on scene at 3:03pm with sunny weather and good visibility.
When the volunteer crew arrived on scene, they established a tow line and proceeded to the nearest safest cooke street quay, Portaferry. The volunteer crew then handed the fishing boat and its crew over to the HM coastguard.
Commenting on today’s rescue, Simon Rogers, Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said, ‘The hard work and dedication of our volunteers has once again resulted in the safe return to shore of the skipper and his crew who were having trouble while at sea. He certainly took the right course of action calling for help once he realised that his engine had failed. We are all delighted with the outcome and urge anyone considering going on the water to take all necessary precautions. It has been a busy week for the voulnteers. Anyone who would like any information on safety on the water can find further details on our website www.rnli.org’
The Portaferry RNLI departed the scene and returned to station at 4:15pm.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Jordan Conway, Portaferry RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 00353 876483547 or [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 00353 871254124 or [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.
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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.