Bangor RNLI assists motorboater in Belfast Lough after vessel loses power

At 6.10pm, Belfast Coastguard requested the lifeboat to launch following reports of a person on a motorboat adrift in Belfast Lough.

The lifeboat helmed by John Bell and with three other crew members onboard, launched at 6.17pm and made best speed to the vessel which was approximately half a mile from Bangor Marina. Arriving on scene, the crew found that the sailor while safe and well, could not make any safe onward progress due to their boat having no power. Helm John Bell decided that the safest course of action was to tow the boat to Bangor Harbour and then establish an alongside tow into the marina pontoons.

Speaking following the rescue. Tom Bell, Bangor RNLI Launch Authority said: ‘As we enjoy a long spell of hot summer weather, we would encourage anyone planning a trip to sea to go prepared. Always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity and always carry a means of communication such as a VHF radio or mobile phone in a waterproof pouch. We would advise all boat users to know how to start, run and maintain their engine and always carry tools and spares. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’

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