RNLI comes to aid of lone sailor after engine failure

RNLI comes to aid of lone sailor after engine failure

18 June 2025

MEMBERS of Newcastle RNLI went to the aid of a lone sailor after his vessel encountered engine problems at the entry to Ardglass harbour on Tuesday evening of last week.

The alarm was raised shortly before 6.15pm with the crew was requested by Belfast Coastguard to respond to the emergency.

The all-weather Mersey class lifeboat, the Leonard Kent, was launched with weather conditions at the time described as good, with a smooth to slight sea state and a Force 2 to 3 south to south easterly wind.

The lifeboat arrived on scene at 7.30pm with the crew assessing the situation. 

Due to the position of the vessel at the entrance to the harbour, a decision was made by coxswain Declan Barry to attach an alongside tow to bring the sailor and vessel the short distance into the safety of the harbour.

Once there, Portaferry Coastguard provided shore assistance to moor the vessel safely alongside. The lifeboat left Ardglass at 8.05pm arriving safely back at base in Newcastle one hour later.

Following the rescue, the Newcastle coxswain said conditions were “perfect” for the rescue mission.

“We observed the sailor to be experienced and wearing the appropriate safety equipment,” he recalled.

“They had a means of contacting the Coastguard for assistance, in this case a VHF radio and that too enabled them to keep themselves safe pending our arrival.”

Mr Barry said that once on scene, the lifeboat crew set about prepping the tow and within a few minutes were safely underway into Ardglass harbour where the vessel was tied up and passed over to the Coastguard team.

Mr Barry also issued a reminder that as the summer months approach, the RNLI is encouraging anyone planning a trip on or near water to go prepared. 

“Check weather and tide times, let someone know where you are going and when you are due back and carry a means of communication,” he said.

“Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”