Kilkeel RNLI’s volunteer crew launched at 1.20pm yesterday (Sunday 23 June) to go to the aid of the 44ft French yacht with two people onboard that was stranded two miles off Annalong Harbour in Co Down.
In fresh conditions with good visibility, the lifeboat volunteers found that the yacht had become stranded due to a rope in the propeller.
The crew, with Gary Young as helm, managed to retrieve the rope and free the yacht.
A crew member went aboard the yacht to check everything was well and finding everything was in order, he returned to the lifeboat and the yacht went on its way to continue its journey north.
Speaking following the callout, volunteer press officer Leslie Campbell said: “As we approach the summer months, we would remind all sea users regardless of their activity to always respect the water.
“Always wear a lifejacket, always carry a means of communication and always let someone on the shore know where you are going and what time you will be due back.
“Should you get into difficulty or see someone in trouble dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”