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Portaferry RNLI enjoys joint training exercise on Strangford Lough

Lifeboats News Release

Portaferry RNLI joined Strangford Lough ferry service and Portaferry Coastguard yesterday morning (Sunday 9 June) for a planned man-over-board exercise on Strangford Lough.

There was a force 4-5 light westerly breeze at the time and a slightly choppy sea.

The exercise focused saw the alarm raised that one, then two people had fallen overboard. The ferry crew nominated spotters to track the location of the casualties in the water while their Strangford II rescue boat was launched with three crew onboard.

The importance of loud and precise instruction was demonstrated, and the first casualty was brought out of the water by the ferry's rescue boat within minutes.

Portaferry lifeboat volunteer crew launched promptly when contacted by the Coastguard and were able to locate the second casualty quickly. Once lifted out of the water, the volunteer lifeboat crew assessed the condition of the casualty before both were brought to the shore and handed over to Portaferry Coastguard who continued casualty care alongside RNLI volunteers.

The exercise was observed by representatives from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, and both the Senior and Principal engineers from Strangford Lough ferry service. After a detailed debrief of the exercise, everyone involved enjoyed breakfast in Portaferry lifeboat station.

Captain Robert Anderson of Strangford Lough Ferry Service said: 'The exercise went well and highlighted the difficulty of retrieving a casualty from the water.

'It was a valuable hour, and good to have co-operation from both the RNLI and HM Coastguard providing a more realistic scenario rather than our usual drills. The ferry crew responded quickly, worked as a team and gained experience.'

Heather Kennedy, Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager added: 'It's important that anyone visiting open water understands the risks of the environment.

'As we approach the summer holidays, we want everyone to enjoy being around the water, but also want to make sure people stay safe and know what to do in an emergency. Check weather and tide times before venturing out, always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity and always carry a means of communication. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.'

Ends


RNLI/Lissa McCully

Portaferry RNLI volunteer crew assess the casualty when brought onboard the lifeboat.

RNLI/Heather Kennedy

Portaferry RNLI and HM Coastguard Portaferry continued with casualty care once ashore.

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.

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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.