Bangor RNLI rescues four as motorboat breaks down on Belfast Lough
Bangor RNLI rescued four people aboard a motorboat from Carrickfergus after the boat broke down off Whitehead, and the group risked drifting into a shipping lane in Belfast Lough in fading light.
A volunteer crew from Bangor RNLI was requested by Belfast Coastguard just after 10pm on Saturday night last (13 June) to attend the broken down motorboat just off Whitehead. In calm conditions, and only light winds, there was no immediate danger, but there was a possibility of the boat drifting into the shipping lane used by the Belfast to Cairnryan ferry.
In fading light, Helm Kyle Marshall and the crew, were able to reach the craft quickly and, having assessed the situation, attached a tow rope and towed them back to Carrickfergus Marina. By the time they reached the marina, the light had all but gone.
Speaking following the call out, Bangor RNLI Helm Kyle Marshall said: 'We were delighted to be able to help these people and return them safely to the marina. We would ask everyone returning to the water after lockdown to ensure their vessel has been well maintained, and they have all the appropriate safety gear on board.'
Boat owner Alan McIlroy was effusive in his praise of the Bangor crew: These guys are worth their weight in gold, and after realising we had a problem, we were delighted to see them arrive. They were totally professional, and very skilled.'
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