Portaferry RNLI launch lifeboat to assist lone sailor during station open day
Portaferry RNLI launch lifeboat to assist lone sailor during station open day
Lifeboats News Release
Portaferry RNLI crew pagers sounded at 11.53am this morning (Saturday 1st August) at the request of Belfast Coastguard after an international distress signal (Pan-Pan) was received from a lone sailor onboard a 6m yacht off the coast of Portavogie, in the Irish Sea.
The Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Blue Peter V was launched with helm Scott Blackwood, and crew Chris Adair, Rosslyn Watret and Becca Nightingale onboard.
Conditions at the time of launching were a force 3 gentle northerly breeze, partially cloudy with good visibility and a slight sea state.
When the casualty vessel was found, it was located east of the South Rock Buoy in the Irish Sea, 4 miles of the Ards Peninsula coast. Once on scene a lifeboat crew member was transferred to the yacht to assess the condition of the sailor.
With no means of safely continuing his journey and due to the location of the vessel, the decision was made to assist the sailor by towing the vessel to the safety of the nearby Portavogie Harbour.
Speaking after the call out, Portaferry RNLI helm, Scott Blackwood said: 'This sailor was alone on his vessel and sent out a Pan-Pan message as soon as he became aware of a problem. We commend him for doing this quickly.
'When the radio is used to send a Pan-Pan it informs the emergency services and other vessels in the area, that an urgent problem exists.
'We would urge anyone heading out onto the water to check the weather and tide times for their location, before leaving the shore and to wear a lifejacket or suitable personal flotation device for your activity and always carry a means of calling for help.
'We would like to thank the people who were in our boathouse enjoying our open day when the alarm was raised. Your cooperation and willingness to move outside, very much aided us with our response to the pagers.
'We thank everyone who came along to our station open day today, and look forward to welcoming you back in the future.'
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.
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