Donate now

Bangor RNLI assists two people after boat has engine difficulty near Groomsport

Lifeboats News Release

Bangor RNLI came to the aid of two people last night after their boat encountered engine problems near Groomsport.

Bangor RNLI Atlantic 85 B-805 Jessie Hillyard

RNLI/Tom Bell

Bangor RNLI Atlantic 85 B-805 Jessie Hillyard

At 8.35pm (Wednesday 12 June) volunteers launched their Atlantic 85 class lifeboat Jessie Hillyard following a request from Belfast Coastguard to assess a situation where a boat with two people onboard had encountered engine problems on its journey from Portpatrick to Bangor.

The weather at the time was dry, slightly overcast with a calm sea state and little breeze. The sky was clear and visibility was good.

The crew made their way to the scene and located the casualty vessel one mile north of Groomsport harbour. They then spoke to the people onboard and found them to be safe and well and both wearing lifejackets.

The crew assessed the situation and made a decision to tow the vessel to the nearest safe harbour at Bangor Marina as the casualty vessel had no means of propulsion.

Speaking following the call out, Bangor RNLI Helm Peter Semple said: ‘The boat owner did exactly the correct thing by calling us out to help, which we were only too happy to do.

'We would urge all boat owners to carry out regular maintenance checks on our vessel. Carry spare fuel if possible and ensure that you have a means for calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble. If you see someone in trouble on the water or are in difficulties yourself do not hesitate to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’

Ends

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok 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.