
Donaghadee RNLI launched to assist broken down boat
The volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew from Donaghadee lifeboat station were paged by HM Coastguard at 8.14pm on the evening of Friday 26 July.
The crew were requested to launch to a 16 foot pleasure boat with two people onboard, which was adrift North of Mew Island, Copeland Islands, due to engine failure.
With a crew of five onboard RNLI lifeboat Macquarie launched into favourable conditions, with clear visibility and a calm sea and were on scene with the casualty vessel 25 minutes later. After assessment of the situation and determining that the vessel and its crew members would not be able to return to safety themselves, the coxswain of the lifeboat made the decision to establish a towline and bring the boat and its crew back to the safety of Donaghadee Harbour.
The lifeboat then returned to its moorings and was prepared by the crew for its next call out.
Following this call out, Gerry Watts, Launch Authority at Donaghadee Lifeboat Station commented ‘ Engine breakdowns do happen and the crew did the right thing by contacting HM Coastguard early ensuring the situation was dealt with before deteriorating. As always we recommend that if you find yourself in difficulty that you dial 999 and ask for the coastguard, or contact them via VHF at the earliest opportunity, always wear a lifejacket and carry adequate safety equipment’
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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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