Donate now

Bangor RNLI assist man on stranded leisure vessel at Briggs Buoy

Lifeboats News Release

Volunteer crew at Bangor RNLI launched their lifeboat yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 17 May) when a man fishing in a motor vessel became stranded after his engine failed, at Briggs Buoy in Groomsport.

RNLI/Bangor

Bangor RNLI

The inshore lifeboat was launched 1.36pm with Helm John Bell and crew members Davey Eccles and Andrew Gedge onboard. Conditions were calm at the time, with no breeze and good visibility.

On arrival at the scene and having assessed the situation, lifeboat crew member Andrew Gedge boarded the casualty vessel after the man onboard was able to get the engine going, to ensure a safe return to shore. The lifeboat crew then stood by the casualty vessel as they escorted it to the nearest safe port at Bangor harbour.

Commenting on the call out, Bangor RNLI Helm John Bell said: ‘This was a straight forward call out that ended well. We are always happy to launch for anyone in difficulty. What can seem straight forward, can vary depending on type of call out and the conditions on the day. We would always advise to bring a means of calling for help and that people keep their vessels and equipment maintained and checked regularly.’

Ends

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, Twitter 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.

Categories