#rnli – At lunchtime today Bangor lifeboat crew received a urgent request from Belfast Coastguard to launch the lifeboat and rescue 3 people onboard a 15ft speed boat. The dory type vessel had experience 'catastrophic' engine failure close to Black Head which is on northern shores of Belfast Lough.
Within minutes of the rescue pagers being activated, volunteer crews had launched and Bangor Lifeboat and were proceeding at full speed towards the stricken vessel.
Upon arrival volunteer crew found that the dory had beached on rocks beneath the Lighthouse and the 3 occupants had scrambled safely ashore. A very lucky escape for those onboard.
With weather conditions deteriorating lifeboat crew were able to get a tow line aboard the grounded dory and tow it to the safety of Whitehead Harbour.
When leaving Whitehead Harbour to return to Bangor, lifeboat crew noticed that another 15ft speed boat with 4 people onboard was in difficulty and needing assistance.
A tow line was quickly rigged and she was then taken under tow to the safety of Whitehead Harbour.
RNLI volunteer helmsman Ewan Scott used these rescues to highlight a RNLI safety message when he said. We always urge everyone going afloat to make sure their engine and fuel systems and are well maintained and in good working order. Engine failure close to shore and commercial shipping routes could lead to a life threatening situation'. He added 'We're happy that everyone onboard both vessels are now safely ashore'.
