Portaferry RNLI crew assists 2 people onboard yacht after engine fails
Portaferry RNLI crew assists 2 people onboard yacht after engine fails
Lifeboats News Release
Portaferry RNLI volunteer crew launched the station's Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat,
Blue Peter V, at 7.45pm yesterday evening (Monday 17th August) after reports that a yacht had suffered engine failure between the Bar Buoy and Rock Angus, at the mouth of Strangford Lough.
Onboard the lifeboat were helm Chris Adair, and crew members Oliver Rogers, Molly Crowe and Michael Pucci.
Conditions at the time of launching were a force 4 moderate southerly breeze, a slight sea state with rain and mist causing poor visibility.
The lifeboat crew arrived on scene at 8pm and found both crew of the yacht to be well, attempting to sail, but making little progress against a strong out going tide.
After an assessment of the situation and due to poor visibility and strength of the opposing tide, the decision was taken that a tow of the vessel was necessary. The yacht and her crew were then taken to the safety of Portaferry marina where they were met by our RNLI shore crew and members of Portaferry Coastguard.
Speaking after the call out Portaferry RNLI volunteer lifeboat helm, Chris Adair, said: 'The crew of this yacht called for assistance as soon as they had a problem, this is always the right thing to do.
'When we arrived with them, they were attempting to sail to Portaferry and initially we only needed to stay close as they made passage. However, after a period of observation, with little headway being made and with worsening visibility, the decision was made to establish a tow.
'This is a good opportunity to remind all boat owners to check their vessel's engine throughout the sailing season.
'I would like to say well done on behalf of everyone at Portaferry station to new lifeboat crew member, Michael Pucci, on his first call out since passing out as inshore lifeboat crew. Every call out brings a unique set of challenges and it was great to see him putting his training to good use.
'We would remind anyone going afloat to always check the weather and tides before venturing out, always wear a lifejacket or suitable personal flotation device for your activity and always carry a means of calling for help.
'Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'
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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