Newcastle RNLI came to the aid of a lone sailor early this morning after his 20ft boat got into difficulty and ran aground at the entrance to Dundrum inner bay.
The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat shortly after 9.30 am following the report from Belfast Coastguard that a vessel with one person onboard had run aground.
The lifeboat, helmed by Thomas Davis and with three crew members onboard, was deployed and swiftly made its way to the scene in a southerly Force 4 wind. The lifeboat arrived on scene to a strong swell in the bar mouth.
The crew assessed the situation and found the sailor to be safe and well. They then made a decision to tow the boat off the sand and back to the nearest safe port which was the vessel’s moorings in Dundrum.
Speaking following the call out, Johnny Whyte, Newcastle RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said: ‘The sailor was found to be safe and well but he did the right thing raising the alarm for help when he knew he was difficulty.