Newcastle RNLI launched both its inshore lifeboats on Saturday evening (28 February) to assist an injured lone sailor close to Newcastle Beach.
The request came from Belfast Coastguard at 4.57pm after reports that a sailor had suffered a suspected head injury aboard a 10-metre pleasure craft nearing the shore.
Weather conditions were deteriorating, with a south-westerly Force 5 wind and concern that the vessel could run aground.
The station’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat Beryllium, helmed by Lochlainn Leneghan and crewed by Shane Rice, Danni Curley and Ciaran Leneghan, launched first and was on scene by 5.15pm.
A crew member was transferred to the casualty vessel to assess the injured sailor. The D class lifeboat Mrs Cameron, helmed by Andrew Lynas with Shane Poland and Emmy Torrens onboard, launched shortly afterwards to provide additional support.
Given the proximity to shore and worsening conditions, the decision was taken to transfer the casualty to the D class lifeboat. The Atlantic 85 then took the pleasure craft under tow.
The sailor was brought ashore and handed into the care of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
During the tow, a crew member remained aboard the casualty’s vessel alongside the sailor’s dog and budgie. The lifeboat crew waited for sufficient tide before completing an alongside tow into Newcastle Harbour.
“This was a challenging call out given the weather conditions, the close nature of the vessel to the beach and the casualty’s injury,” said Newcastle RNLI Helm Lochlainn Leneghan. “Everyone worked well together to bring the sailor and their vessel and pets safely to shore. We extend our best wishes to the casualty for a speedy and full recovery.”
