Portaferry RNLI rescue two sailors after 35ft yacht breaks down
Portaferry RNLI came to the aid of two sailors late last night (Tuesday 25 May) after their yacht broke down a mile off the mouth of Strangford Lough.
Pagers sounded for the volunteer lifeboat crew at 11.10pm after HM Coastguard requested the launch of the station’s inshore lifeboat Blue Peter V. The yacht with two sailors onboard, had lost power and with no navigation lights, was in difficulty north of the Fairway buoy, north of the Strangford bar.
Weather conditions at the time were good with moderate seas and a Force 3-4 wind.
The lifeboat helmed by Chris Adair and with three crew members onboard, launched immediately and was on scene within minutes.
Having assessed that the two sailors were safe and well, the lifeboat crew quickly established a towline and at the request of the sailors, the yacht was towed into Portaferry.
Speaking following the call out, Portaferry RNLI Helm Chris Adair said: ‘The sailors did the right thing last night and having carried a means of communication, they were able to call for help when they knew they were in difficulty. Without hesitation, our lifeboat crew turned out in their numbers despite the late time last night and it is a credit to their selflessness and dedication that they are always ready to help someone in need.
‘We have also had a busy few days of RNLI training at the station which ensures our volunteers are always skilled and prepared when that call for help comes.’
Ends
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 00353 876483547 or
[email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 00353 871254124 or
[email protected]
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.