RNLI volunteers come to rescue of yacht crew

RNLI volunteers come to rescue of yacht crew

12 June 2024

NEWCASTLE and Portaferry RNLI volunteers went to the aid of four people on a stricken yacht on Saturday.

Newcastle’s all-weather lifeboat, the Leonard Kent, was launched to help the people onboard the 29ft yacht which had suffered a damaged mast 20 miles southeast of Newcastle.

The crew set sail at 7.30am while the weather conditions were calm. Once on the scene, the volunteers realised that the yacht would be unable to complete its voyage and opted to tow it back to land.

Portaferry RNLI latched their B Class Atlantic lifeboat and assisted with the tow on the approach to Ardglass.

Newcastle lifeboat operational manager David Bowden said: “The crew on the yacht were able to use their onboard radio to ask for help.

“Fair weather allowed for a short passage to the scene. We towed the casualty vessel and its crew into Ardglass Harbour and were assisted by Portaferry RN-LI in the final stages of the tow. 

“We have recently carried out joint training exercise with Portaferry volunteer crew and during this call-out both volunteer crews put that training to use along with the relationships developed during training.”

Mr Bowden added: “We would remind everyone planning to go to sea to plan ahead and go prepared.

“Check tide times and the weather, wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid and ensure everyone onboard knows how to call for help.”