Bangor RNLI diverts to two call outs during Saturday training exercise
At 3.42pm on Saturday (12 April) the volunteer crew of Bangor RNLI were returning from a planned training exercise when they were paged by Belfast Coastguard to assist in a search for a person or vessel in distress following a reported call for help from a VHF radio in the local vicinity.
Bangor RNLI's inshore lifeboat Ruby Robinson conducted a search between Grey Point in Helens' Bay and Bangor Marina; constantly checking radio signals and radar but nothing untoward was found.
Just as the search was being completed, the lifeboat was requested by Belfast Coastguard to assist an 8m RIB which had ground and refloated at Carrickfergus Castle. The lifeboat crew made their way to the scene and found the casualty vessel had damaged its gearbox on an outcrop of rocks. The boat was without power and drifting very close to the rocky shoreline. As the vessel couldn't make any safe onward progress, a decision was made to tow the RIB to the nearest safest harbour at Carrickfergus Marina.
Speaking following the call outs, Bangor RNLI Helm Gareth Whan said: ‘As we approach the Easter holidays, we would remind anyone planning a trip on the water to go prepared. Always get the appropriate level of training for your vessel, ensure you are aware of your surroundings and the local hazards such as rocky outcrops and shallow areas and ensure your engine is well maintained and fuelled.
'Let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back. Always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity and should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.'
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