Girvan RNLI volunteers in multi Lifeboat search

At 14:32 today Monday 21st July, Girvan Lifeboats volunteer crew were paged for launch.

Details were to search for a vessel that had not turned up at its intended destination, given the last known position of the vessel, our all-weather Shannon Class Lifeboat 'Elizabeth and Gertrude Allan' was soon roaring into life and making best speed South to the given co-ordinates.

Also searching for the vessel were Stranraer ILB, Donaghadee ALB, Portpatrick ALB, Coastguard helicopter Rescue 199 and multiple Coastguard Rescue Teams.

Having completed its search area, Rescue 199 returned to base leaving the Lifeboats searching their given areas, having been searching in ernest the areas given to us by Belfast Coastguard, after 3 hours Girvan Lifeboat returned to home.

With the other Lifeboats completing their search taskings a short time after ourselves, the vessel was located just entering the port of Bangor, it was then left with the coastguard co-ordination centre and local Coastguard Rescue Teams along with the PSNI for further enquiries.

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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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.