Portpatrick Lifeboat rescue in difficult conditions

Belfast Coastguard sent a launch request to RNLI Portpatrick Lifeboat Station at 3.55 pm to assist a fishing vessel which had engine and steering failure, approximately 4 miles North West of Corsewall Point in the North Channel.

Volunteer Crew launched the lifeboat into high winds and rough sea conditions shortly after receiving the launch notification. On reaching the stricken vessel the lifeboat crew managed to attach a tow line. Taking into consideration the sea state and the incident location it was decided to tow the fishing boat into Stranraer Harbour.

After the vessel had been towed to safety in Stranraer, it was decided that due to a possibly dangerous combination of tide, weather and sea conditions affecting the entrance to Portpatrick Harbour, the Portpatrick Lifeboat should stay in Stranraer overnight until conditions improved.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.