Portaferry RNLI rescues two people after boat breaks down on Strangford Lough
Portaferry RNLI came to the aid of two people early this afternoon (Wednesday 21 July) after their leisure boat broke down on Strangford Lough.
The volunteer lifeboat crew’s pagers sounded just after 12.45pm. The lifeboat was requested by Belfast Coastguard to assess the situation where a leisure boat with two women onboard had suffered engine failure and was drifting past Portaferry marina at the Narrows on Strangford Lough.
The inshore lifeboat helmed by Fergal Glynn and with three crew members onboard, launched immediately and was on scene within minutes.
Having assessed that two women were safe and well, the lifeboat crew quickly established a towline and the leisure boat was towed into Portaferry marina.
Speaking following the call out, Portaferry RNLI Helm Fergal Glynn said: ‘The casualties made the right decision at the right time when calling for assistance. Their quick thinking and calm actions made the rescue simple and kept them out of harm’s way.
‘As we continue to enjoy a spell of hot weather, we would remind everyone planning a trip to sea to always respect the water. Always wear a lifejacket or personal floatation device and always carry a means of communication. Always let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back and should you get into difficulty, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’
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