Kilkeel RNLI launch to aid a swimmer in difficulty and rescue two people

On their way to the swimmer the crew members were informed that he was aided safely ashore by lifeguards. The crew were then immediately asked to go the aid of two people in a yacht which was stranded half a mile off the Hellihunter Buoy, Carlingford Lough. The yacht, on passage from Carlingford to Ardglass, had become becalmed and then with gearbox problems they wisely decided to get in touch with the Coastguard.

Reaching the yacht a tow rope was attached and the yacht was brought safely into harbour where it was aided to berth by members of Kilkeel Coastguard.

Speaking afterwards crew member Jason Nugent said ‘With the high volume of shipping in the Lough the yacht was in a potentially dangerous position so the yacht’s crew made the correct early call to the Coastguard. We were also pleased that the swimmer is safe - and no doubt some relevant safety advice was passed on by the lifeguards.’

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

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