Portaferry and Newcastle RNLI launch to stricken fishing boat
Portaferry RNLI was requested to launch by HM Belfast Coastguard to reports of a fishing boat aground on St John’s point on Friday (5 August). They were joined on scene by Newcastle RNLI with their all weather and Inshore lifeboats.
Portaferry RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews’ pagers sounded at 6.24am and they made their way to St John’s point at Ardglass. They arrived on scene at 6.58am to good visibility and a force 2 northerly wind direction. The 16 metre fishing boat, with a crew of four, was aground on a rocky coastline off St John’s Point.
When on scene, the lifeboat crew checked the fishing boat for damage before taking the four male adults onboard the lifeboat and bringing them to safety at Ardglass Marina. Newcastle RNLI arrived on scene, ready to offer assistance.
Once on land, the casualties were then transferred into the care of Newcastle coastguard rescue team.
Commenting on the callout, Portaferry RNLI helm, Chris Adair said, ‘This was an early morning callout for our crew and thankfully it had a successful outcome. We also wish to express our thanks to our colleagues in Newcastle RNLI who launched both their lifeboats and travelled to the scene. We were grateful to have them there. With conditions fair, the four casualties were brought to safety quickly and we wish them well.’
Media Contacts
For more information please telephone Jordan Conway, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07487762226 or [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 00353 876483547 or [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 00353 871254124 or [email protected]
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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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