Bangor RNLI assists two people on 30ft yacht with engine trouble

The inshore lifeboat Ruby Robinson made best speed to the location and found two people onboard who were wearing lifejackets and safe. They had been travelling from Carlingford on a round Ireland trip when they encountered some engine trouble.

Bangor RNLI volunteer Gavin Mitchell was transferred to the casualty vessel to assess the situation where it was established that the safest option would be to tow the yacht which couldn't make any safe onward progress, to the nearest safe harbour.

The yacht was towed into Bangor and once it was safely berthed, the lifeboat was refuelled, washed and made ready for next service at 9.15pm.

Speaking following the rescue, Bangor RNLI helm Peter Semple said: 'We were glad to assist and we wish the sailors well. The boat owner did exactly the right thing by asking for assistance when they knew they were in difficulty.
'As we approach the summer, we would encourage people to go prepared. Carry engine spares, tools and additional fuel when going to sea. Always carry means of communication and know how to use it. If you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.'

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RNLI Media Contact
For more information, contact Tom Bell, Bangor RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer at [email protected]

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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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