Bangor RNLI comes to aid of six people after yacht suffers engine failure
Yesterday morning (Monday), a volunteer crew from Bangor RNLI came to the aid of six women onboard a yacht after their engine failed during a passage to Glenarm.
The yacht was towed in safely to Bangor Marina.
On arrival at the vessel, which was just off Donaghadee Sound, in a choppy sea and a strong breeze, the crew of the inshore lifeboat Jessie Hillyard, made contact with the casualty vessel to find out if medical assistance was required for one of the women who was seasick.
Happy that medical evacuation was not required, and that the vessel was under good control with just a headsail, the lifeboat kept a safe distance until the yacht entered the calmer waters of Ballyholme Bay.
There, volunteer crew member John Bell transferred to the casualty vessel, and attached a tow line, staying with the vessel until it was safe in the marina. Just outside the marina, the yacht was brought alongside to make it easier to control during its safe delivery alongside in the marina.
To show their appreciation, the crew were presented with a bag of chocolate cookies, which went down well after the lifeboat had been re-fuelled, washed down, and readied for its next service.
Speaking following the call out, Bangor RNLI Helm Jack Irwin, said: ‘On arrival at the scene, we were happy that our assistance was not required immediately, and we shadowed the vessel until we were in calmer waters, where we initiated our tow. We were delighted to deliver those onboard to the safety of Bangor Marina, where the staff were waiting to assist with mooring.
‘As we head into the summer months, now is a timely time to remind anyone planning a trip to sea to check your vessel's engine and ensure it is well maintained before setting off on a passage. Always carry a means of calling for help and let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back.’
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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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