Newcastle RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat, the Leonard Kent, was launched to assist three people onboard a 28ft yacht which had suffered engine failure some 13 nautical miles east of Ardglass on Sunday (28 July).
At around 8.35pm on Sunday evening, the volunteer crew were requested to launch their lifeboat to assist those onboard the vessel which was continuing under sail off Northern Ireland’s Co Down coast.
Weather conditions at the time were good, visibility was excellent and there was a Force 3 southerly wind.
The Leonard Kent arrived with the yacht at around 9.35pm and the lifeboat crew immediately established that all those onboard were safe and well.
Having assessed the situation and given the yacht was unable to make safe progress without its engine, it was decided to establish a tow. The yacht was towed to the nearest safe port at Ardglass, where it was handed over to the local coastguard team.
Speaking after the call-out, Richie Campbell, Newcastle RNLI launch authority said: “The good weather allowed the lifeboat to arrive with the casualty vessel quickly, and when on scene a prompt assessment by the volunteer crew led to a tow being established to aid the vessel to Ardglass harbour ensuring the safety of all those onboard.
“The crew of the yacht did the right thing is requesting help and were able to contact the coastguard using a working radio onboard. We would remind everyone going to sea to check that they have a working means of communication and should they get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble to call 999 or 112 and ask for help.”
