Bangor RNLI assists four people after small pleasure craft gets into difficulty

At 6.50am (Sunday 5 July) Bangor RNLI volunteers launched their Atlantic 85 class lifeboat Ruby Robinson following a request from Belfast Coastguard to assess a situation where a boat with four people onboard had encountered engine problems.

The weather at the time was dry, 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 adrift close to Briggs Buoy, Groomsport. They then spoke to the people onboard and found them to be safe and well. It was noted that all onboard were wearing lifejackets. The group were a little cold but otherwise grateful for the assistance of the lifeboat.

The engine of the casualty vessel had broken down and the auxiliary engine carried on the craft also failed to start.

Bangor RNLI helm Peter Semple assessed the situation and as the casualty boat was drifting close to the shipping lanes, decided that a tow of the vessel which had no means of propulsion, was necessary and the safest course of action. The boat was brought to the nearest safe harbour at Bangor Marina.

Speaking following the call out, Bangor RNLI Helm Peter Semple said: ‘The boat owner did exactly the correct thing by calling for help when in difficulty and we were happy to assist when they couldn’t make any safe onward progress.

'We would urge all boat owners to carry out regular maintenance checks on their vessels. Carry spare fuel if possible and ensure that you have a suitable means for calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble, such as a Marine VHF Radio or mobile phone. If you get into trouble or see someone in difficulty on the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’

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