Portaferry RNLI launch twice in five hours

Initially, Portaferry RNLI were requested to launch by HM Coastguard, to a 21ft yacht with two male persons on board, had suffered engine failure and at risk of drifting ashore at Newtownards Sailing club within Strangford Lough.

The volunteer crew launched to PANPAN call promptly at 11:20am on Saturday (17 August), in sunny weather conditions with good, clear visibility and south westerly force four winds. The Portaferry crew arrived on scene at 11:45am with sunny weather and rough sea state.

When the volunteer crew arrived on scene, they established a tow line and proceeded to the near by moorings at Newtownards sailing club and the two male persons on board were taken ashore and met by Bangor Coastguard rescue team.

The Portaferry RNLI departed the scene and returned to station at 1:15pm.

The volunteer crew were standing by at the station, waiting for the local triathalon event to commence when the crew noticed a yacht drifting backwards in Strangford narrows. Portaferry RNLI launched promptly to assist the six metre yacht in difficulty, when the volunteer crew reached the yacht they made sure the person on board was alright and assisted yacht to near by moorings in Castleward Bay.

The Portaferry volunteer crew then stayed local within Strangford Lough and covered local triathlon event.

Commenting on today’s rescue, Portaferry RNLI Deputy Launching authority said: ‘The hard work and dedication of our volunteers has once again resulted in the safe return to shore of these men who were having trouble while at sea. They certainly took the right course of action calling for help once they realised that the engine had failed. We are all delighted with the outcome and urge anyone considering going on the water to take all necessary precautions.’

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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