Port St Mary RNLI launches after inflatables drift offshore at Castletown Bay
Port St Mary RNLI launched both its inshore and all-weather lifeboats this evening (Wednesday 21 April) following a report that three inflatables with children onboard were drifting offshore.
At 7.19pm, the volunteer crew were requested to launch both their lifeboats by Belfast Coastguard after the alarm was raised that the inflatables were drifting off Castletown Bay.
Under the helm of Mark Whiteley, Port St Mary RNLI’s inshore lifeboat Spirit of Leicester launched in slight seas and made its way to the scene, closely followed by the all-weather lifeboat Gough Ritchie 2 under the command of Coxswain Mike Keggen.
Shortly after, both lifeboats were stood down following an update from the Coastguard that everyone had safely returned to shore.
Speaking following the call out, Sarah Keggen, Port St Mary RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘We are delighted that everyone managed to return safely to shore this evening unaided. Inflatables can be great fun but they are not designed for open water and it’s easy to get swept out to sea. Conditions can change quickly and you could be put at risk. Should you get into difficulty or see someone in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’
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For more information please contact Kirsty Pendlebury, Port St Mary RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at (07624) 438619or email [email protected]
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