Portaferry RNLI rescue teenager drifting out to sea on inflatable
Portaferry RNLI rescued a teenager after he drifted more than half a mile out to sea on a inflatable this afternoon (Tuesday 2 August).
Portaferry RNLI’s volunteer crew launched the inshore lifeboat promptly at 3.45pm and made their way to Killard Point in Strangford Lough.
The crew launched in good weather conditions with excellent visibility, a calm sea state and a Force Three westerly wind.
When on scene at 3.50pm, the crew faced Force Three, excellent visibility and a calm sea state.
The crew launched to reports of a teenager that had drifted off shore at Killard Point on an inflatable. The alarm was raised by members of the public who were concerned and contacted Belfast Coastguard.
When the lifeboat crew located the casualty at Angus Rock within Strangford Lough, they immediately set about bringing the teenager onboard the lifeboat whilst checking him over for any injuries. The casualty was safe and well. The crew then proceeded back to Kilclief beach and transferred the casualty back into the care of his family the Coastguard.
Commenting on the call out, Portaferry RNLI Helm Ian Sands said: ‘We we’re glad to rescue the casualty this afternoon and bring him to safety. The casualty did the right thing by staying with the inflatable until help arrived. It is important to note that while inflatables can be fun, they are not designed for the beach where they can be easily be blown offshore.’
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