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Portaferry RNLI crew rescue father and son from Salt Island in Strangford Lough

Lifeboats News Release

Portaferry RNLI volunteer crew launched at 10.50am this morning (Saturday 25th July) at the request of Belfast Coastguard after they received information about 2 paddle-boarders stranded on Salt Island, situated to the south of Strangford Lough.

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The Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, Blue Peter V, launched with helm Chris Adair, and crew members Molly Crowe, Becca Nightingale and Chris Hannon onboard.

Conditions at the time of launching were a force 3 gentle north-westerly breeze, partially cloudy with good visibility, and a moderately choppy sea state.

Once on scene the casualties were located quickly and although cold and stranded due to the force 5 fresh inshore breeze, both were observed to be well.

After paddling to the lifeboat, both were taken onboard and transferred to the care of the Coastguard waiting at Killyleagh Yacht Club pontoon.

Speaking after the call out, Portaferry RNLI volunteer helm, Chris Adair, said: 'It took us 15 minutes to travel to Salt Island from Portaferry station, however there was a significant change in the strength of the wind in that short time.

'Staying together and calling for help in this situation is always the correct thing to do.

'Before heading out onto the water, always check the weather and tide times for your location, on both your outward and return journey.

'Make sure you are wearing a lifejacket or suitable personal flotation device for your activity, and always carry a means of calling for help. If this is a mobile phone, ensure you have equipment to keep the phone fully charged.

'If you are in difficulty on the water, or see someone else in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'

Once recovered to Portaferry boathouse, the shore crew washed and refuelled the lifeboat in preparation for the next call out.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Lissa McCully, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Ireland, [email protected]

Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Ireland, 087 648 3547, [email protected]

Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Ireland, 087 125 4124, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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.

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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.

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