Kilkeel RNLI rescue two people stranded on Carlingford Lough

The alarm was raised at around 9.30pm in the evening when the pair managed to contact the coastguard to let them know they had broken down in their small speedboat on a navigational channel, midway between Greencastle and Greenore on Carlingford Lough. With no lights on the vessel, they had deployed their anchor but were concerned that an oncoming vessel would not see them in time to move out of the way.

Kilkeel RNLI launched the Shannon class lifeboat Bobby Cameron and arrived on scene in about thirty minutes. Once on scene, a lifeboat volunteer boarded the small boat to assist with the recovery of the anchor and it was established that a tow would be the safest viable option for the casualties. The vessel was then taken to Greencastle where the two people were brought to shore. Kilkeel shore-based Coastguard unit were also in attendance.

Commenting on the callout Kilkeel RNLI Coxswain Gerry Smyth said ‘We are thankful for a successful outcome. We would always advise boat owners and operators to check their vessels and equipment before every trip. Make sure your engine is serviced regularly, check your fuel, and ensure your boat is well maintained.’

‘Conditions can change rapidly and a small issue can develop into something serious. The people we assisted did the right thing by calling for help immediately. If you get into difficulty, or see someone else in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’

Ends

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Communications Staff Member for RNLI, [email protected] Tel: 00 353 87 1254 124

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, 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.