Bangor RNLI rescued four people in two separate call outs over the weekend after a yacht and boat got into difficulty.
One rescue was carried out in Bangor and a Mayday call was made in Carrickfergus.
At 5.54pm on Saturday, the Bangor RNLI crew were requested by Belfast Coastguard to assist a boat where three people were experiencing difficulty in Long Hole in Bangor.
The launched its Atlantic 85 class lifeboat, Ruby Robinson.
The lifeboat, helmed by John Bell, located the casualty vessel with all three people onboard.
The yacht, which was dragging its anchor, was in imminent danger of running aground at the Long Hole. It also had a torn sail which made it difficult for the sailors to make headway into the wind.
Having assessed the situation, a decision was made to escort the vessel into the safety of Bangor Marina.
However, upon entering the marina, the yacht experienced steering failure and grounded on the Pickie Breakwater.
The lifeboat went promptly alongside to assist, and when the yacht’s engine subsequently failed, the crew proceeded to set up a tow to safely bring the vessel to a marina berth.
The second call came at 3.45pm on Sunday after Belfast Coastguard received a Mayday call from a fishing boat experiencing engine failure just east of Carrickfergus.
As the vessel, which had one person on board, was drifting close to the rocks on the shoreline it was determined that it would be safest to undertake a tow to the nearest, safest port of Carrickfergus.
Speaking following the call outs, Bangor RNLI helm John Bell said: “The sailors on the yacht from Saturday’s call out did exactly the correct thing by calling us out to help, which we were only too happy to do. The conditions were challenging at sea and put all our training to the test.
“We would urge all boat owners to carry out regular maintenance checks on their vessels.
“Check weather and tide times before venturing out and during any passage. Check charts for safe anchorages and always consider the weather conditions before setting anchor.
“If you find yourself in trouble or 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.”