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Newcastle RNLI crew attend two call outs in quick succession

Lifeboats News Release

Newcastle All Weather Lifeboat was called to assist a broken down boat at Gunns Island on 30th July at approximately 6pm. Shortly after arriving at Gunns Island the crew were diverted to a second call between Killyleagh and Whiterock.

RNLI/Kenneth Gracey

Newcastle All Weather Lifeboat leaving the station on call out 30th July 2022.
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Newcastle RNLI volunteer crew answered the pager at 5.57pm on Saturday 30th August 2022 and launched the All Weather Lifeboat in smooth seas but with poor visibility, mist and a force 1 to 2 wind.

The crew made their way to Gunns Island where a broken down boat required assistance. Before arriving on scene the, Portaferry Coastguard Rescue Team had assisted the crew of the boat and got them ashore. Arrangements were made to have the boat recovered later.

At 6.56pm, the lifeboat was diverted to a second call for service to reports of a vessel in distress between Killyleagh and Whiterock. The crew attended the area and conducted a thorough search the of Strangford Lough area and nothing was found.

Portaferry Coastguard Rescue Team carried out a shore search and again nothing was found. The volunteer crew were stood down at 8.50pm and returned to Newcastle Lifeboat Station at 11pm where the lifeboat was made ready for the next call out.

Shane Rice, RNLI Coxswain for Newcastle RNLI Lifeboat said; ‘Thankfully both these call outs ended well. The persons who raised the alarm did exactly the right thing by dialing 999 and asking for the Coastguard.’

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.

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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.

About the author

Kennith Gracey
Lifeboat Press Officer, Newcastle Lifeboat Station

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