Portaferry RNLI take part in multi-agency search

Lifeboat crew proceeded to Pig Island near Newtownards in Strangford Lough and were joined in the search by local coast guard and Rescue 119 from Preswick in Scotland. The lifeboat crew were stood down after a thorough search of the area revealed nothing.

Portaferry lifeboat was launched at 5:15pm in cloudy, dry weather conditions with good visibility and force three southerly winds. As the lifeboat crew arrived on scene at 5:35pm the weather had deteriorated considerably. They carried out a parallel line search north of the area and south to Mahee Island. A coastline search of the area was also undertaken between Mount Stewart and Barrs Bay, near Newtownards in Strangford Lough.

After thoroughly searching the area, the coastguard stood down the lifeobat crew and they returned to station.

Commenting on the call-out, Jordan Conway, Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘Despite the weather conditions deteriorating as the volunteer lifeboat crew reached the scene, a full search was carried out in conjunction with our colleagues in the coast guard and Rescue 119. As weather conditions are set to worsen this evening, we advise people to take shelter and stay safe.’

Ends

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]

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