Bangor RNLI involved in rescue of three people from 28ft yacht

The volunteer crew was requested to launch their inshore lifeboat at 6.11 pm following a request from Belfast Coastguard to assist with the recovery of 28ft Yacht that had drifted and run aground onto Cockle Island, Groomsport following a mechanical failure.

The lifeboat helmed by Gareth Whan and crew members Kelly Clark, Joanne Heasley, and Ewan Rathbone-Scott onboard, immediately made their way to the scene two nautical miles from the station, to Cockle Island.

There was a Force 3-4 wind at the time and moderate seas with dry and bright weather.

Arriving on the scene, the crew observed three people onboard a yacht that had drifted onto Cockle Island following a mechanical failure. It was observed that all on board were wearing lifejackets. The lifeboat crew assessed the situation and decided towing the yacht off the rocks was the safest option. The lifeboat positioned itself to the stern of the casualty vessel and attached a towline. Once the yacht had been removed safely from the rocks it was then towed to the closest port and its’ mooring in Groomsport harbour.

Once this was complete, the lifeboat made its way back to Bangor lifeboat station, and the boat was made ready for service at 7.15 pm

Speaking following the call out, Bangor RNLI Helm Gareth Whan said: ‘Ensure your engine is well maintained and always carry adequate tools and spares to fix any problems you encounter. Always take a means of calling for help and should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’

Ends

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For more information please contact Tom Bell, Bangor Lifeboat Press Officer on 075 1532 7284 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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