Portaferry RNLI launch twice in three days
Portaferry RNLI launched twice in three days to reports of broken down boats in the same area of Strangford Lough
Portaferry’s volunteer crew launched initially on 25th June at 9.50pm in partly cloudy weather with good visibility and a force two easterly wind direction.
When on scene, the lifeboat crew established a tow to the five-metre cabin cruiser at the entrance to Strangford Lough which had suffered engine failure after a fishing trip. The lifeboat towed the vessel to Portaferry marina, handed the vessel to the local coastguard and assisted with berthing.
Portaferry lifeboat crew departed the scene after ensuring the cabin cruiser was berthed safely. The vessel and her crew received a further tow from another vessel the next day back to their destination of Ringhaddy Sound.
The lifeboat crew launched again on 27th June at 5.07pm in cloudy, wet weather with poor visibility and a force three south-easterly wind direction.
When on scene, the lifeboat crew established tow to the seven-metre RIB which had suffered engine failure at the south end of Rock Angus, at the beginning of Strangford Lough.
Commenting on the call-out, Colin Conway, Portaferry RNLI Helm said: 'As this is a busy period for Portaferry RNLI, we ask you to remember to have all your communication devices in good working order, to follow safety advice to stay as safe as you can, and always to respect the water.'
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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