Stranraer RNLI launches in multi-agency operation
A significant search and rescue operation was launched yesterday (21 July) after a vessel failed to arrive in Bangor, County Down, as expected. The vessel, last seen south of Girvan on the Scottish coast, was reported overdue, triggering a rapid, coordinated response by HM Coastguard.
The search involved four RNLI lifeboats, multiple Coastguard rescue teams, and a HM Coastguard helicopter, covering a wide area of sea between the west coast of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The first asset launched was Stranraer RNLI’s inshore lifeboat (ILB). Tasked by HM Coastguard, the volunteer crew launched swiftly from Stranraer and began a detailed search of northern Lochryan, proceeding into the North Channel, and then sweeping across towards Ballantrae on the Scottish coast.
They continued their search southwards through Lochryan, returning to Stranraer having found no trace of the missing vessel.
As concern mounted and the vessel remained unaccounted for, HM Coastguard escalated the response. Portpatrick RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat (ALB) was launched shortly after Stranraer ILB returned, followed by lifeboats from Girvan RNLI and Donaghadee RNLI. These lifeboats worked in coordination, searching areas from the Ayrshire coast and Dumfries and Galloway Coast to the Irish Sea.
Stranraer ILB was then redeployed, launching again from Portpatrick Harbour to conduct a further search northwards towards North Cairn, a location known for strong tidal conditions and vessel traffic.
In the air, a HM Coastguard helicopter was also tasked to support the search, covering a broader area from above, coordinating with lifeboats below and scanning areas that were more difficult to access by sea.
The combined assets covered a wide and complex search area, using coordinated patterns and continuous radio communication to ensure efficient coverage. Shore-based Coastguard Rescue Teams were also deployed at strategic locations to support and monitor coastal zones.
After several hours of search activity, Donaghadee RNLI lifeboat located the overdue vessel safe and well near Bangor, bringing the operation to a successful conclusion. No injuries were reported.
Speaking after the incident, a spokesperson for Stranraer RNLI said:
'This was a large-scale, multi-agency search operation that showed the value of coordination, fast response, and teamwork. Stranraer ILB was first to launch and begin the search, and later returned to support the operation from a different launch point. We are proud of the swift actions taken by all crews and grateful the vessel was located safe and well. Once again, this highlights the strength of our lifesaving partnership with HM Coastguard and other RNLI stations.'
The RNLI and HM Coastguard remind all mariners to ensure they carry up-to-date navigation tools, VHF radios or distress alerting equipment, and that they always let someone know their route and estimated arrival time.
This incident involved RNLI lifeboats from Stranraer, Portpatrick, Girvan, and Donaghadee, HM Coastguard’s search and rescue helicopter unit, and several local Coastguard Rescue Teams on both sides of the North Channel.
Notes to editors
· Stranraer lifeboat station has been operating since 1974. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: Stranraer RNLI Lifeboat Station
RNLI media contacts
Natasha Rushby, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789
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