A lone sailor had to be rescued from Strangford Lough after his vessel drifted close to a rocky area due to engine failure.
Portaferry RNLI received the call at 1.45pm on Tuesday.
The sailor of the 30ft yacht reported engine problems at a location between Killyleagh and Dunnyneill Islands on the western side of Strangford Lough.
The inshore lifeboat, Blue Peter V, launched at 1.51pm with helm Paddy Lowry, and crew members Paul Mageean and Steven Lloyd onboard.
Portaferry RNLI crew members congratulate Paddy Lowry after his first call out as helm of the inshore lifeboat, Blue Peter V. From left: Steven Lloyd, Paddy Lowry and Paul Mageean. Pic: RNLI
Once on scene, the crew observed the person onboard to be well but having lost both electrical and engine power – and having drifted close to Selk Rock – on assessing the situation and noting the sailor could not make any safe onward progress, a decision was made to establish a tow and bring the sailor to the nearest safe port.
Paddy Lowry, who was on his first call out as helm, said: “We would commend the sailor onboard the yacht for wearing a lifejacket and having a means of calling for help and raising the alarm when he realised he had a problem. This is always the correct thing to do.
“It’s nice to have my first call out as helm behind me, and I thank Paul and Steve, and the shore crew, for the job they did today.
“I would remind all boat owners to check their vessel’s engine over the winter. Always check the weather and tides before venturing out.
“Always wear a lifejacket or suitable personal flotation device for your activity and always carry a means of calling for help.
“Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
News Catch Up – Wednesday 4 December