Kilkeel RNLI annual boat fishing competition raises £1,347.65

When the fog lifted, 14 boats took part in the annual Kilkeel RNLI Boat Fishing Competition and after two hours a total of 382kilos of mackerel was landed. The winning boat Tuskar with skipper Wm Kearney landed 81.74kg, in second place Dawn Mist with skipper Stephen Jones landed 72.400kg and third place went to Harvey Jake with skipper Shane Maginn landing 53.440kg. There was a tie for the heaviest fish caught and prizes were given to skipper Joshua Hillis on the Hannah Hillis and to Stephen Jones on the Dawn Mist.

John Fisher, Kilkeel RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: ‘The weather during the day wasn’t promising but when the fog lifted, we had a great turn-out of boats. We would like to thank, Russ Shepcar of DR Marine for the use of his store, those who took part, and the ladies for the burgers and drinks. Thanks to the volunteer crew for ensuring the event was carried out safely and finally a special thanks to Speedy Newell for organising the event. All in all, it was a great community effort.’

Ends

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.