Newcastle RNLI’s lifeboat crew launched both their all-weather and inshore lifeboats yesterday (Wednesday, 26 July) at 3.08 pm following a request from HM Coastguard. A 36ft yacht with five people onboard, including two children, had reported that their equipment had failed and they were drifting five miles east of Ardglass.
First to launch was the station’s all-weather lifeboat. On arrival at the scene, a short time later, the lifeboat crew observed that the casualty vessel was, in fact two miles west of St. John’s Point and was in danger of drifting onto rocks. Conditions were moderate to rough, with a force 5 to 6 wind, and visibility was less than two nautical miles.
The lifeboat crew immediately checked on the welfare of those onboard, some of whom were showing signs of fatigue and sea sickness. A decision was made that the lifeboat would bring the vessel under tow to the safety of Newcastle Harbour.
As the All-Weather lifeboat approached Newcastle Harbour Coxswain, Gerry McConkey, requested the assistance of the station’s inshore lifeboat to provide support on the last part of the journey and to tow the vessel into harbour. The yacht was then towed into Newcastle harbour, where it was secured, and all on board brought ashore and to the lifeboat station, where the crew were able to provide casualty care. Newcastle Coastguard team were also on scene to provide care, and paramedics arrived to check the group over and ensure they were well enough to leave.
Speaking on the callout, Newcastle RNLI Launching Authority Daniel Curran said, ‘It was a busy day on station yesterday with a lot of lifeboat crew being present for a training exercise and scheduled inshore lifeboat maintenance. This ensured an extremely fast lifeboat launch, and the crew were on scene with the casualties shortly after raising the alarm.
Commenting on the callout, Newcastle RNLI Launching Authority Daniel Curran said, ‘The location of the yacht, along with the loss of their navigational equipment, meant that the group were in serious danger of drifting onto rocks if they had not managed to raise the alarm. Conditions were not pleasant for those on the boat, and it was a tough few hours for them. I’m delighted, with such an excellent turnout on station yesterday for our training, that we were able to assist this group and bring them back to land safely in an extremely fast time. The call for help was raised through a radio onboard the yacht, and having a means of calling for help is vital when out on the water.
The all-Weather lifeboat crew for the callout were Coxswain Gerry McConkey, Mechanic Shane Rice, Mark Mitchel, Andrew Lynas, Trez Dennison and Karl Brannigan. The inshore lifeboat crew were Helm Locky Leneghan and Brendan Rooney and Ciaran Leneghan.
