Portaferry RNLI volunteer crew respond to mayday call

The inshore lifeboat, Blue Peter V launched quickly with helm Scott Blackwood and crew members Chris Jenkins, Molly Crowe and Paul Mageean onboard.

Conditions at the time of launching were a gentle force 3 southerly breeze, good viability with a moderate to choppy sea state.

As the crew made their way towards the casualty vessel they were made aware by the Coastguard that a fishing vessel had been able to establish a tow. On reaching both vessels, the crew of Blue Peter V remained close by as the yacht was returned to Ardglass harbour.

Once secured, a member of the lifeboat crew was transferred to the casualty vessel. Both crew onboard were observed to be well and an assessment showed the yacht not to be taking on water.

Speaking afterwards, Portaferry RNLI volunteer helm, Scott Blackwood said: 'A mayday call is the most serious distress call used at sea and indicates a sailor in imminent danger. The crew of the casualty vessel did the correct thing by calling for help as soon as they got into difficulty.

'We commend the crew of the fishing vessel for responding quickly and getting the yacht and her crew to safety. We were happy to stay close and observe the rescue on this occasion.

'Newcastle's all-weather lifeboat, Leonard Kent, also launched but was stood down before reaching the casualty vessel.

'We would remind anyone going afloat to wear a suitable floatation device for your activity and always carry a means of calling for help.

'If you are in trouble or see someone else in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'

The lifeboat crew departed the scene at 12.10pm and returned to Portaferry boathouse where an all female shore crew recovered the lifeboat to the station, washed and refuelled her, and made ready for the next call out.

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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