Kilkeel RNLI rescue two people on stranded French yacht
Kilkeel RNLI volunteer crew launched at 1.20pm today (Sunday 23 June) to go to the aid of the 44ft French yacht with two people onboard that was stranded two miles off Annalong harbour.
In fresh conditions with good visibility the volunteer crew found that the yacht had become stranded due to a rope in the propeller.
The crew, with Gary Young as helm, managed to retrieve the rope and free the yacht. A crew member went aboard the yacht to check everything was ok and finding everything was in order he returned to the lifeboat and the yacht went on its way to continue its journey North.
Speaking following the call out, Leslie Campbell, Kilkeel RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘As we approach the summer months, we would remind all sea users regardless of their activity to always respect the water. Always wear a lifejacket, always carry a means of communication and always let someone on the shore know where you are going and what time you will be due back. Should you get into difficulty or see someone in trouble dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’
Ends
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Leslie Campbell, Kilkeel RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07798552013 or [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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.