Bangor RNLI assists three people after reports of a boat adrift
Bangor RNLI came to the aid of three people last night after their small pleasure craft encountered engine problems close to the Belfast Lough shipping lane.
At 7.43pm (Monday 14 July) Bangor RNLI volunteers launched their Atlantic 85 class lifeboat Ruby Robinson following a request from Belfast Coastguard to assess a situation where a boat with three people onboard had encountered engine problems.
The weather at the time was dry, and still sunny with a calm sea state and little breeze. The sky was clear and visibility was good.
The crew made their way to the scene and located the casualty vessel adrift amongst the Commercial ships at anchor in Bangor Bay. They then spoke to the people onboard and found them to be safe and well. A little cold but very grateful for the assistance of the lifeboat.
Bangor lifeboat helm Peter Semple assessed the situation and made a decision to tow the vessel to the nearest safe harbour at Bangor Marina as the casualty vessel had no means of propulsion.
The people onboard the casualty vessel were brought aboard Bangor lifeboat and lifeboat crew member Davy Reid transferred onto the stricken vessel whilst under tow to Bangor Marina, where they were met by Belfast Coastguard.
Ruby Robinson was then refuelled, cleaned and made ready for he next service by the boat and shore crews involved.
Speaking following the call out, Bangor RNLI Helm Peter Semple said: ‘The boat owner did exactly the correct thing by calling us out to help, which we were only too happy to do.
'We would urge all boat owners to carry out regular maintenance checks on our vessel. Carry spare fuel if possible and ensure that you have a means for calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble. If you see someone in trouble on the water or are in difficulties yourself do not hesitate to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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