Portaferry RNLI rescues two people cut off by tide at Rough Island

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat at 5.25pm at the request of Belfast Coastguard.

The lifeboat helmed by Dave Fisher and with crew members Molly Crowe, Rosslyn Watret and George Toma onboard, launched immediately and made its way to the scene at Rough Island which has a causeway that covers a period of 2-3 hours before high tide. The Strangford Portaferry ferry stood off to allow the lifeboat to launch.

Weather conditions at the time were good with a force 3-4 wind and a slight sea state.

Once on scene, the crew observed that the man and woman were both safe and well before taking them onboard the lifeboat and bringing them safely back to shore.

Speaking following the call out, Heather Kennedy, Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘We were delighted to be able to assist both people safely back to shore. We would remind anyone planning a walk to always check weather and tide time signage before venturing out as it can be easy to get caught out by the incoming tide at high water.’

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.