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Portpatrick RNLI save two people and a dog on first launch of new lifeboat

Lifeboats News Release

On Saturday 22 June at 3:49pm, HM Coastguard requested the immediate launch of Portpatrick RNLI lifeboat to reports of kayakers in distress south of the Mull of Galloway.

The station's Shannon Class lifeboat Stella and Humfrey Berkely immediately launched with a full crew of six and headed towards the Mull of Galloway where they received assistance in their search from Stranraer RNLI, Port William Inshore Rescue Service, HM Coastguards and SAR Helicopter R199. This was the first emergency launch of Stella and Humfrey Berkely since she arrived on station at Portpatrick.

Thanks to the co-ordinated efforts of SAR Helicopter R199, Portpatrick RNLI and a vigilant member of the public at the Mull of Galloway who spotted the kayakers while bird watching and was able to give directions to HM Coastguard, the casualties were located.

Both casualties and their dog were then transferred to Portpatrick lifeboat where they received the necessary care before being taken back to shore and handed over to the coastguard team. The Stella and Humfrey Berkley then returned to Portpatrick where she was refuelled and made ready for service.

A third person and a dog who had also been kayaking with the group had managed to get back to shore safely.

John Connor Portpatrick RNLI volunteer coxswain said:

‘The Mull of Galloway is a particularly challenging area for wind and tidal swells. The conditions yesterday were moderate with a light breeze of force two but when we arrived at the scene the kayakers were already around 2.5 miles away from the shore. Had it not been for the swift actions of a member of the public reporting this incident and the assistance we had in being guided to the casualties, this could have been a very different outcome.

'I encourage everyone thinking of taking part in any watersports to check the wind and tides before heading out, wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, and most importantly, carry a means of calling for help that is always easily accessible.’

Jeanette Hardy, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Portpatrick added:

‘The saving of these lives today is absolute testament to the dedication of the volunteer crew here at Portpatrick RNLI and the incredible amount of time and effort that they have put into training and getting the Shannon into service. Without the dedication and hard work of this team, today could well have had an entirely different result. I know I not only speak for myself but the whole of the operational team at Portpatrick and the wider community in saying how incredibly proud we all are of this team.’

It is public support that allows the RNLI to continue to save lives at sea and our volunteers need your support.

To make a donation to the RNLI visit RNLI.org/support-us/give-money/donate

Notes to Editors

· Portpatrick Lifeboat Station has been operating since 1877. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to Portpatrick RNLI Lifeboat Station

· Volunteer Coxswain John Connor is available for interview.

· Click here to access the RNLI 200th anniversary media pack, which contains a selection of RNLI archive images from key points in the charity’s history, an RNLI history timeline, and a film of ‘200 years in 200 seconds’ – all of which can be downloaded.

RNLI crews lift dog to safety

RNLI/Portpatrick

Portpatrick & Stranraer RNLI lift dog to safety

RNLI/Portpatrick

Portptraick RNLI & SAR Helicopter 199 locate casualties

RNLI/Portpatrick

Safely on board Portpatrick RNLI Lifeboat

RNLI/Stranraer

Stranraer RNLI bring kayak back to shore

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.