#RNLI – Within the past seven days crew from RNLI Bangor Lifeboat have launched twice to assist crews aboard two stricken vessels.
On Thursday 3rd May at 10.40pm Belfast Coastguard received information from a concerned member of the public that a red flare had been observed north of Groomsport. Volunteer crew quickly assembled and launched RNLI Bangor Lifeboat which proceeded at full speed to the Groomsport area. A search pattern was quickly established, thankfully nothing was found. It was reported that a number of unused sky lanterns had been found and it's believed that one of these lanterns could have raised the alarm. While completing the search crew onboard Bangor Lifeboat received a radio call from Belfast Coastguard. A 35ft commercial fishing vessel with 2 people onboard had experienced engine failure 1½ mile south of Blackhead Lighthouse. Relatively calm sea conditions allowed Bangor Lifeboat to proceed at full speed to the stricken vessel. Volunteer lifeboat crew rigged a tow line and towed the fishing boat to the safety of Bangor Harbour.
On Monday 7th May at 11.30am volunteer RNLI crew were alerted by rescue pager that a 29ft yacht with 1 person onboard had difficulty in 'making way' and required assistance. Belfast Coastguard gave the vessels location as 1 nautical miles north of Helens Bay. Bangor Lifeboat was launched and proceeded at full speed to the stricken vessel. Volunteer lifeboat crew rigged a tow line and towed the yacht to the safety of Bangor Marina
Peter Scott, RNLI volunteer helmsman at Bangor Lifeboat Station took this opportunity to stress five very important sea safety tips for anyone going afloat. He said. 'Always wear a lifejacket, secondly check your engine and fuel, thirdly tell others where you are going, fourthly carry some means of calling for help and finally always check the weather and tides' He added 'We're happy that the crews aboard both vessels are now safely ashore'.