#RNLI - Pagers sounded yesterday (Wednesday 11 April) for the volunteers from Portaferry RNLI to assist a man onboard an 18ft yacht experiencing problems off the Co Down coast.
The yachtsman was two miles from the entrance to Strangford Lough when he got into difficulty.
Portaferry’s volunteer crew launched their inshore lifeboat at 2.33pm in cloudy conditions, with good visibility and a Force 4-5 easterly wind.
Sea conditions at the time of launch were moderate, but when the RNLI crew arrived on scene at 2.50pm, they were met by very rough seas and large swells.
Having assessed the situation, the lifeboat helm deemed that it would be too dangerous to attempt a tow due to the extremely challenging conditions they were experiencing. Instead, a volunteer crew member was put on board the casualty vessel to help sail it into Ardglass Harbour.
Also in attendance were a volunteer crew from Newcastle RNLI onboard their all-weather lifeboat, standing by to offer assistance if required.
The Portaferry lifeboat then escorted the casualty vessel to the safety of the pontoons at Ardglass and into the hands of the Newcastle Coastguard team.
Commenting on the rescue, Portaferry RNLI lifeboat operations manager Simon Rogers said: “Our volunteer crew faced challenging conditions during this rescue, encountering extremely rough sea conditions. The man onboard the casualty vessel did the right thing calling for help before things got out of hand.
“We would like to stress at this time, when more and more boats are returning to the water, that everyone planning any sea trip [should] respect the water and take all necessary precautions.”