On Sunday, 05 March, Donaghadee RNLI Lifeboat volunteers were called out on service during their training exercise.

The crew were completing their Sunday morning training exercise onboard the recently received relief lifeboat Macquarie when they were contacted by His Majesty's Coastguard via radio requesting that they go to the assistance of a speedboat broken down with two persons onboard just outside the Craiganadam rocks at Millisle.

At approximately 11.40 am, the crew were in the middle of Donaghadee Sound completing a radio direction-finding exercise and had the daughter boat, with crew members onboard, in the water. They quickly retrieved the daughter boat and made full speed in calm conditions with a slight offshore wind to the casualty boat, arriving on scene at approximately 12 noon.

Once on scene and the situation had been assessed, a tow line was secured to the vessel from the lifeboat, which then towed it as close to shore as possible. The daughter boat was relaunched and with crew member Rebecca McCarthy and trainee crew member Courtney Roberts onboard, they were able to tow the casualty vessel into the slipway at Millisle lagoon, where the Coastguard Rescue Team met the boat owners.

The lifeboat then returned to Donaghadee Harbour and was made ready by the crew for it’s next call out.

Donaghadee RNLI rescued a lone sailor on Friday afternoon (18 November) after his 27ft yacht broke down off the Copeland Islands north of Northern Ireland’s Ards Peninsula.

The volunteer crew were requested by Belfast Coastguard to launch their all-weather lifeboat just after 11.30am and go to the aid of the sailor, who had got into difficulty during his passage from Kircubbin on Strangford Lough to Carrickfergus.

The lifeboat, under coxswain John Ashwood and with five crew onboard, was launched immediately from Donaghadee and made its way to the scene half a mile northwest of Lighthouse Island.

Weather conditions at the time were challenging with a Force 5-6 northwesterly fresh breeze and a lumpy swell.

Once on scene, the crew observed that the sailor was safe and well. He had got into difficulty when a rope was caught around a propellor of the yacht, causing the engine to cut out and leave him without power which also led the vessel to drift. He raised the alarm via his mobile phone.

With the lifeboat alongside the yacht, the crew assessed the situation and a decision was made to pass a towline to the sailor. This proved difficult given the weather and the swell, but a tow was successfully established.

With the yacht under tow, the lifeboat began to make slow progress in the weather to reach the nearest safe port at Bangor Marina, a passage that took approximately an hour.

Speaking following the callout, Ashwood said: “We found the sailor safe and well and wearing his buoyancy aid but as he was very cold, we were glad to bring him back to the safety of the shore in Bangor.

“We would encourage anyone planning a trip to sea at this time of year to go prepared. Always check the weather forecast and tide times and always wear the appropriate clothing for your activity.

“Check your engine is well maintained and that you have the appropriate means of calling for help should you need it such as a VHF radio or a mobile phone. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”

Ghost nets are fishing nets that have been abandoned, lost, or discarded in the ocean.

They are a major environmental hazard to marine and other wildlife, contributing to an estimated 10% of all marine plastic as well as causing harm to two-thirds of marine species.

Wildlife trapped in nets can succumb to a slow, inhumane death, whilst ingestion of marine plastic is a massive issue.

Ards and North Down Council recently posted on Facebook that its Parks Team had managed to remove and safely dispose of a ‘ghost’ net from the beach at The Parade in Donaghadee, a seaside town on the north County Down coast. The Council had received notification of it from a member of the marine conservation charity Sea Shepherd NI, and it turned out to be larger than anticipated.

Donaghadee RNLI’s volunteer crew were requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat yesterday (Sunday 19 June) to reports of a kayaker who appeared to be struggling against the tide in strong offshore winds just off Cloughey Beach on Northern Ireland’s Ards Peninsula.

Pages sounded at 2.17pm and a crew of six under the command of coxswain Philip McNamara launched Saxon into a moderate to rough sea, with a Force 6-7 northwesterly wind and excellent visibility.

While the crew were making full speed to the last reported position of the kayaker, Portaferry Coastguard Rescue Team — who were already on scene — kept eyes on the paddler some 2km north of the North Rock.

It transpired that the casualty had initially been out in a blue kayak and had got into difficulties. He managed to swim ashore and proceeded to go out in a yellow kayak in order to recovery the blue one. With a strong offshore wind and unable to locate the blue kayak, he attempted to return to shore and began to struggle.

At around 2.55pm, HM Coastguard also tasked a search and rescue helicopter which was en route from Prestwick. In the meantime the Portaferry coastguard team were able to report that the casualty had drifted to 1km north of the North Rock.

When the lifeboat arrived on scene, the crew quickly located the casualty sheltering on the North Rock itself. Due to shallow conditions and the sea state beyond the capability of the lifeboat’s daughter boat, second coxswain John Ashwood used a loudhailer to request the kayaker make his way off the rock and toward Saxon. He was able to do this and he was recovered onto the safety of the lifeboat. Subsequently, the search and rescue helicopter was stood down.

Once onboard, a casualty care assessment was carried out to ensure the kayaker was not suffering any ill effects from the situation and it was determined that he was well. Shortly after he was returned to shore at Portavogie Harbour where he was reunited with his son and handed over to the care of the Portaferry Coastguard Rescue Team.

Brian McLawrence, Donaghadee RNLI lifeboat operations manager said: “There was great teamwork today between the coastguard rescue team and ourselves; a pleasure to work with them as always.

“Time is of the essence in these situations. We would advise that as soon as you suspect that you or a loved one is in trouble, waste no time, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.”

McLawrence added: “The man was lucky to get to the relative safety of the North Rock itself. We wish him all the best and hope he enjoyed the remainder of his Father’s Day.

“We do recommend if you are going to enjoy the water on a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard that you wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, and carry a means of communication such as a VHF radio or your mobile phone in a waterproof case – it could save your life.”

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Karen Douglas one of the station’s most avid supporters, six-year-old Quinn Whyte, and Donaghadee RNLI volunteers at the lifeboat station’s open day on Saturday 18 June | Credit: RNLI/Margaret Ramm

The previous day, Donaghadee RNLI held its annual lifeboat open day which gave the general public have access to the all-weather lifeboat Saxon, where they were greeted by volunteer crew members and given a tour of the boat.

There were record numbers queuing right around the lighthouse for the whole day. The harbour itself was busy with stalls, games and food outlets and the lifeboat shop reported a roaring trade all day.

The lifeboat station was also open and welcomed many visitors throughout the day, with tea and coffee, sandwiches and buns, all supplied by volunteer crew members, partners and family.

Visitors throughout the day included Mayor of Ards and North Down, Karen Douglas who joined in the morning for a tour of the station and lifeboat.

She was joined by one of the station’s most avid supporters, six-year-old Quinn Whyte. Quinn is passionate about the RNLI and lifeboats; he visits them all over the country and has his bedroom decorated in lifeboat memorabilia.

He started to support Donaghadee RNLI’s ‘Betty’s 5p Pots’ campaign earlier in the year, whereby you fill a small jam jar with 5ps and donate them at the lifeboat shop. So far this year he has collected a massive 87 pots — with each one holding around £2.25, that’s quite the achievement.

Mayor Douglas with Quinn at the helm of the all-weather lifeboat Saxon | Credit: RNLI/Margaret Ramm

The volunteer team were delighted to Quinn him around the station and the lifeboat as a treat, and fully expect to see him joining the crew in the future.

The station also had a visit from Helen Winter and her son Patrick who made a very generous donation in memory of Helen’s late husband Harold Winter, who was a passionate fundraiser for the RNLI during his lifetime. Patrick himself is an avid sailor and fully appreciates the requirement for and the service of the RNLI.

The day finished with a display by the lifeboat and crew, and volunteer Rebecca McCarthy used her stand-up paddleboard to paddle into the harbour and demonstrate how to attract attention if you are in difficulty as well as the importance of carrying a flare and a means of communication.

The lifeboat came alongside Rebecca and another crew member, Nicola Butler, jumped into the water in full lifeboat PPE to demonstrate the use of the A frame, which is required to get casualties out of the water. Everyone watching appeared to enjoy the display and congratulated the crew with a warm round of applause.

Evelyn Bennett, chair of the Donaghadee fundraising team said: “Everyone at our station, crew and fundraisers, are over the moon at how our open day went, especially given that this was our first since 2019.

“The support we get from the public is what enables our volunteer crew to go to sea and save lives. We rely on donations and legacies and we are delighted to say that this year’s lifeboat day has raised in excess of £2,400 with some monies still to come in. This sum is takings from the entry to the lifeboat, stallholders and the collection buckets on the day.

“Our lifeboat shop and stall on the harbour was certainly kept busy raising in excess of £1,100 — a truly successful and thoroughly enjoyable day all round. We cannot thank the everyone enough for coming along and enjoying the day with us and look forward to next year!”

Donaghadee RNLI Lifeboat was launched on Sunday 12 June, at the request of Belfast Coastguard to come to the assistance of a small speedboat that had broken down and was drifting out to sea.

The volunteer crew were paged and requested to launch by the Coastguard at 9.42 pm after a report from a member of the public on Ballyhalbert harbour that a small speedboat was adrift.

With good visibility, a slight sea state and light westerly winds the lifeboat Saxon launched with a complement of seven volunteer crew members onboard and made full speed to the reported location of the casualty vessel in roughly 35 minutes.

Upon arriving on scene the crew members ascertained that the three people on board were in good health, a towline was secured to the vessel and it was towed into Ballyhalbert harbour to the care of the Coastguard Rescue Team.

Saxon returned to Donaghadee Harbour at approximately 11.12 pm, where the crew members cleaned the boat down and made it ready for the next call out.

John Ashwood, Volunteer Coxswain commented ‘ A good outcome this evening as we were alerted while we still had some light, albeit fading, otherwise this could have been a different scenario. We strongly advise that if you are going to sea that you carry a means of communication, preferably a VHF radio which the lifeboat can use to locate your position. The importance of wearing proper life jackets can never be underestimated too. We were glad to get the casualty vessel and three crew members into the safety of Ballyhalbert Harbour.’

Donaghadee RNLI Lifeboat was launched yesterday, Thursday 09 June, to assist a French yacht which had run aground at Ballyferris Point, in County Down.

The volunteer crew of Donaghadee Lifeboat were requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard yesterday at 11.56 am to reports of a 9-metre yacht which had run aground on rocks just off Ballyferris Point, roughly 6 miles South of Donaghadee.

The yacht, with a French lone sailor onboard was en route from Arklow to Bangor when he ran aground on rocks and used his VHF radio to contact the Coastguard for help.

The lifeboat made full speed in a moderate sea, fair visibility and with a fresh south-easterly wind were on scene at 12.24 pm. The crew assessed the situation and with the aid of a local rib passed a 150 metre towline to the yacht. A tow was attempted but due to a rapidly falling tide and the yacht being well stuck, but with no danger to the yacht or sailor, the decision was made for the lifeboat to return to Donaghadee and allow the tide to rise.

Saxon was relaunched again and back on scene at approximately 3 pm, where the tide had come in enough to allow the yacht to begin to float. Crew members launched the smaller daughter boat with Chris Stewart and David Cull aboard and re-attached a new towline. A fresh attempt was made to tow the yacht off the rocks again but was unsuccessful. Eventually, the yacht did float free itself and Chris Stewart boarded the yacht. An experienced sailor himself, Chris was able to sail the yacht and allow the gentleman to assess the damage, of which there didn’t appear to be anything major.

After discussion with the yachtsman, it was agreed that he would be towed to the safety of Bangor Marina where he could fully assess for damage before attempting to continue his journey toward Scotland and on to Norway.

The yacht was assisted with its berthing in Bangor Marina by the Bangor Coastguard Rescue team.

As the lifeboat was leaving Bangor Harbour at 5.53 pm to return to Donaghadee they were requested again by Belfast Coastguard to attend to a second yacht that needed assistance.

The 11-metre German yacht with a couple onboard was struggling to make headway through Donaghadee Sound. They were sailing toward Bangor and due to a strong tide, a drop in the wind and the loss of their main engine, they were not making any headway.

They contacted the Coastguard via their VHF radio and asked for assistance as they were beginning to suffer from exhaustion.

Saxon arrived on the scene to the yacht which was at the north end of Big Copeland Island, less than 10 minutes later and a crew member proceeded to pass a tow rope to the struggling vessel.

At this stage the conditions had improved slightly compared to earlier in the day, visibility was excellent and the sea state was slight.

After a 40-minute tow, the yacht and its tired crew were delivered to the safety of Bangor Marina and once again were assisted with berthing by four of the Coastguard Rescue Team.

The lifeboat and the crew returned to the station and made the boat ready for its next service.

Philip McNamara, Donaghadee Lifeboat Coxswain commented ‘A busy week for our crew members as we did in fact have three callouts this week and also had a visit from our Chief Executive. As always, I commend the crew as they are a credit to the station with their dedication and ability to turn up and get the boat to sea at the drop of a hat.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the owner of the local rib who assisted us with the French yacht, it is much appreciated.

Even the most experienced sailors can run into difficulty or suffer from fatigue, and it is a positive thing to recognise when you need assistance and ask for it as early as possible – so well done to both yacht owners in their professionalism. We do always recommend that before going to sea you have a working means of communicating with the Coastguard, carry lifejackets and safety equipment, lots of advice can be found on the RNLI website.’

Donaghadee RNLI Lifeboat was launched on Thursday 19 May, to assist a yacht taking water onboard approximately 12 miles North East of Bangor, County Down.

The volunteer crew of Donaghadee Lifeboat were requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard on Thursday at 3.22 pm to reports of an 8-metre yacht in difficulty at the mouth of Belfast Lough.

The yacht, with 3 people onboard, left Stranraer at 9.45am and was en route to Bangor when it requested assistance from the Coastguard due to taking on water. They reported that they could see Kilroot Power Station but were unable to narrow down their position.

In moderate sea conditions but good visibility Donaghadee Lifeboat Saxon, launched at 3.33pm and proceeded at full speed toward Belfast Lough. Meanwhile, Irish Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter 118, which had been on another callout further North, were able to offer assistance in locating the yacht.

To help find them, the crew of the yacht set off a red flare, enabling the crew of the lifeboat to determine their position and consequently Saxon was on scene at 4.11pm followed shortly by the Search and Rescue helicopter.

As the vessels own pump was doing a sufficient job at keeping the water at bay, the crew on the lifeboat established a tow-line to the stricken yacht and proceeded to tow at a speed of approximately 5 knots to the safe haven of Bangor Marina, arriving shortly after 6pm.

The lifeboat refuelled and returned to Donaghadee Harbour and were available for their next callout shortly after 7pm.

Earlier in the week on Tuesday 17 May at 5.55 am, the volunteer crew were launched at the request of Belfast Coastguard after reports from a member of the general public who reported sightings of a man in a small boat holding onto a lobster pot just North of Ballywalter Harbour. The lifeboat launched into moderate/rough conditions and proceeded at full speed toward the casualty, who’s outboard engine had broken down. It transpired that the casualty had contacted a family member with a boat to assist, the lifeboat stayed on scene until the assisting vessel arrived and returned to Donaghadee Harbour at 7.20 am.

Philip McNamara, Donaghadee Lifeboat Coxswain commented ‘Two positive results this week from our callouts – a credit to the member of the public who called in the the small punt holding onto the lobster pot, we would always encourage the public to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they are worried, the earlier we are launched the more likely a positive result.

We were happy to ensure the remaining safe passage of the 8 metre yacht into Bangor Marina, again the importance of asking for help as earlier as possible to ensure a positive outcome played a big part in this callout, also having the relevant equipment onboard to help us locate you is essential. As always the crew’s quick response and skill were superb, and I extend my thanks to them.’

Take a walk from Donaghadee Harbour east towards the Commons on the North Down coast and you’ll see the 70-year-old Sir Samuel Kelly lifeboat in its purpose-built shed near the Harbour.

Protected now from the elements, it is being restored by the Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Co. Ltd. in what has proved to be a long-term project.

Sir Samuel Kelly was a well-known Belfast coal importer and philanthropist whose widow bequeathed in 1950 to the RNLI the cost of a new lifeboat for Donaghadee. The vessel was named after Sir Samuel and today can be seen overlooking the North Channel where it made in 1953 probably its most famous rescue under Coxwain Hugh Nelson, when it saved 33 survivors of the sinking of the Stranraer – Larne car ferry, the MV Princess Victoria.

Coxswain Hugh Nelson Photo: S Cochrane

Hugh Nelson was awarded the British Empire Medal for courage on that day. In I976 it became a reserve lifeboat stationed at the opposite end of Ireland at Courtmacherry on the County Cork coast. From there it saw action in the storm struck Fastnet yacht race in 1979.

The Sir Samuel Kelly Lifeboat and crew Photo courtesy: County Down Spectator

The 47 ft Watson class lifeboat was built by J Samuel & Co in Cowes and has two diesel engines. As a vessel that would often have to operate in dangerously shallow waters, the propellers are cleverly protected by the curved shape of the hull.

The Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Company is a not-for-profit charitable company, formed by local volunteers in Northern Ireland in 2015. It aims to advance and promote education, heritage, and culture, primarily by the conservation, rehabilitation, maintenance, and protection of the historic lifeboat Sir Samuel Kelly.

Sir Samuel Kelly in its purpose made shelter

On retirement, the lifeboat was bought by the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum at Cultra and arrived back in Northern Ireland in 1980. But funds had not been found to maintain and restore her and with the agreement of the museum the lifeboat was brought to Donaghadee. She was cleaned and painted before being left on display to the public in the Commons car park where she sat for 30 years.

After the formation of the Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Company in 2015 ownership of the boat was transferred to the local council’s North Down Museum and later the Company signed a loan agreement for the lifeboat with Ards and North Down Borough Council in addition to a lease for the compound in which it is located.

Chairman if the Donaghadee Heritage Company explains. “Three years ago, over the “Kelly” we erected a steel-framed shelter, clad in perspex and netting. This has allowed the Lifeboat to dry out after 70 years or more open to the elements, both at sea and at its current location ashore. This excellent structure has also enabled work to be done in relative comfort, sheltered from the worst of the weather. To date, it is our biggest and best investment!”.

Now the temporary shelter aims not only to reduce the destructive processes of the weathering that jeopardises the lifeboat's future and provide a base for the conservation work to take place but has allowed the creation of a new public interpretation space for the town to raise the profile of the longer-term project for which the vision is to exhibit the wider maritime heritage of Donaghadee.

A recent specialist survey highlighted the areas of the boat requiring attention and the Company is concentrating on these activities. Considerable funding will also be necessary to complete the conservation and refurbishment work over the coming years. Virtually all this work is done by volunteers, several of whom have experience in particular skills such as painting and metalwork.

Since the formation of Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Company, the Sir Samuel Kelly Project has enjoyed the support of the local community and Ards and North Down Borough Council. The Company, together with many local organisations has run events providing the funds for the shelter. The local council has been very supportive in facilitating the loan agreement for the lifeboat and the lease for the site. In addition, the parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, to work together to achieve a satisfactory outcome to the project. The aim is to provide a permanent home for the refurbished Sir Samuel Kelly and other exhibits in a Heritage Centre.

Sir Samuel Kelly lifeboat Photo: National Historic Ships UK

Alan Couser anticipates another couple of years of work on the Sir Samuel Kelly Lifeboat to bring it up to museum standard. “We are already seeking out the possibilities of housing it in a permanent Heritage and Education Centre. Ideally, this would be built adjacent to the current Community Centre, which is close to the harbour. It would become a major attraction and centre of interest in that part of the town. Our team is currently in talks with consultants tasked with the redevelopment of the area and we believe we have a strong case. In the meantime, we continue to progress our work preserving the Lifeboat to the best of our ability, trusting it will last another 70 years and serve as a reminder of the lives saved and lost over her lifetime”.

Donaghadee RNLI carried out a medevac of a passenger who became ill on a cruise ship that left Belfast Lough on Friday evening (17 September).

The volunteer crew were requested by Belfast Coastguard to launch their all-weather lifeboat Saxon shortly after 6pm and go to the aid of the female casualty.

The lifeboat launched at 6.12pm under coxswain Philip McNamara and seven crew members onboard and was on scene within half an hour. Weather conditions had a north-easterly Force 3 wind with calm seas and slight rain.

he lifeboat crew liaised with the ship and the ship’s doctor on the condition of the casualty before transferring the

After liaising with the ship and the ship’s doctor on the casualty’s condition, the RNLI crew transferred her onto the lifeboat and administer casualty care.

The lifeboat then proceeded to Bangor Marina with the casualty and another passenger, and once returned to shore the patient was transferred into the care of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

Speaking following the callout, McNamara said: “We were glad to be able to help tonight and would like to wish the casualty a speedy recovery.

“I would also like to commend our volunteer crew who turned out so quickly in numbers this evening ensuring we could get our help to the casualty as soon as we could.”

The opinion is divided in Donaghadee about the Ards and North Down Borough Council plans to create within the harbour a 'recreational area' outside of the inner portion but still within harbour limits. The recreational area would be a safe area for non-motorised craft and swimmers to use, without fear of collisions with motorised craft.

Donaghadee Harbour lies on the north County Down coast and is a picturesque port in which the lifeboat Saxon has its home along with several boats on moorings and some small working fishing and tourist vessels. It has always been an irresistible attraction for those keen on jumping into and swimming in the sheltered (in most wind directions) waters.

At present, as well as those swimming within the harbour, many use the slipway to the west. The recreational area would be clearly identified on signage and demarcated by buoys throughout the bay.

Donaghadee Harbour lies on the north County Down coast and is a picturesque port

The Council says that all its harbours currently have restrictions in place to prohibit swimming within the inner harbour area where vessels may be manoeuvring. However, every summer the Harbour Master must continually challenge people who are either unaware of the restrictions or unwilling to abide by them. Donaghadee has a considerable number of daily kayakers and paddle boarders and the interestingly named Chunky Dunkers sea swimmers' group, who for the most part operate outside of the inner harbour and officers are keen to find a balance between the necessary safety considerations and the encouragement of these healthy activities.

It could be said that swimming in a restricted area isn't the same as the fun to be had jumping into the deep harbour!

In preparation for summer, officers wish to increase general awareness of the restrictions and hazards with the introduction of new, improved signage at all Council harbours. The signage will highlight potential hazards to harbour users and list all restrictions and prohibitions, such as swimming. It will also show the exact location using the "what3words" system.

Councillor Janice McArthur represents Donaghadee on the Council. Her attention was drawn to the fact that nowhere in the proposal does it mention that the recreational area dries out at low tide she replies, " Yes, that's a given.

However, people can, if competent, use the area beyond this. The key thing is that they do not use the working harbour space. The designated area, although tidal, is also a safe zone". She continued, "The use of paddleboards is becoming increasingly popular too so it provides a safe recreational area for this to take place. The proposal has received considerable support locally but Council officers will consult with stakeholders".
Regarding the slipway which is used by the sailing club, it was confirmed that craft launching from the jetty would have precedence.

And resident Robert Neill is cautious. " Swimmers really only go in at high tide (ie the Chunky Dunkers) so at least they are protected - don't think it will look very attractive".

John Caldwell, Hon Secretary of the Donaghadee Community Development Association, said, "The Association supports the idea. We want Donaghadee to be safely enjoyed by everyone, and the harbour and seafront are very popular with swimmers, kayakers and sailors. The harbour does, of course, need to continue to operate as a harbour and zoning off an area for recreational use strikes an appropriate balance between this and the needs of those wishing to take part in activities other than sailing."

Martin Strain of the Chunky Dunkers swim group says that " at this very early point we would give it a cautious welcome. Fundamental matters such as its precise area, how and who is going to 'police' it remain important issues that will ultimately determine the success or otherwise of the plan. However, generally speaking, we welcome any input or recognition by the Council that there is a burgeoning interest in water sports of all kinds in our town and that as ratepayers we are entitled to some Council funded facilities".