Portaferry RNLI launch to speedboat with four people on board

Pagers sounded for the volunteer lifeboat crew at 5:55pm after HM Coastguard requested the launch of the station’s inshore lifeboat Blue Peter V. The speedboat with two adults and two children onboard, had suffered engine failure and had made themselves safe at anchor, North of Ringhady sound at Dunsy Island, Strangford lough.

Weather conditions at the time were good with calm seas and a Force 1-2 wind.

The lifeboat helmed by Fergal Glynn and with three crew members onboard, launched immediately and was on scene within minutes.

Having assessed that the group of four were safe and well, the lifeboat crew quickly established a towline and the speedboat was towed into Whiterock.

Speaking following the call out, Portaferry RNLI Helm Fergal Glynn said: ‘the casualties had made themselves safe, using personal flotation devices and anchored in safe water before calling for assistance. Their quick thinking and calm actions made the rescue simple, and kept them out of harms way'.

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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