Port St Mary RNLI rescue five people after speedboat drifts towards rocks
Port St Mary RNLI came to the aid of five people yesterday afternoon (Monday 6 May) after their speedboat lost power and drifted close to rocks at Dreswick Point on the Langness peninsula.
The volunteer lifeboat crew was requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat at 2.24pm at the request of Belfast Coastguard. Given the initial report that the speedboat was thought to be aground, the decision was made to launch both the all-weather and inshore lifeboats from Port St Mary.
The all-weather lifeboat under Coxswain Mike Keggen and with four crew members onboard and the inshore lifeboat helmed by Morgan Guy with three crew members onboard, launched immediately and made their way to the scene approximately five miles from the station.
Weather conditions at the time were good with clear visibility and a light north westerly breeze.
The inshore lifeboat was first on scene where the lifeboat crew observed that the speedboat was wedged in a gully and close to rocks but not aground. The boat had got into difficulty when the engine shut off and tidal conditions caused it to drift.
Having assessed that all were safe and well, two of the inshore lifeboat crew got into the water and proceeded to attach a tow rope to the speedboat which was then towed away from the rocks by the lifeboat. The tow was then transferred to the all-weather lifeboat which brought the vessel and her five crew back to Castletown Harbour. The tow was then transferred back to the inshore lifeboat to bring the boat on to the slip.
Speaking following the call out, Port St Mary RNLI Helm Morgan Guy said: ‘Thankfully on arrival we noticed that while the speedboat was very close to rocks it had not ran aground and we were successful in towing it back before any damage was done. We would remind anyone taking to the sea this summer to always respect the water. Always wear a lifejacket and always carry a means of communication. Should you get into difficulty call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
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