Portaferry RNLI’s volunteer crew were paged for immediate launch by Belfast Coastguard at 2.24pm on Tuesday afternoon (12 May) after an emergency alert was received reporting a man overboard in the vicinity of Ringhaddy Sound, on the western shore of Strangford Lough.
The inshore lifeboat, Blue Peter V, was launched with helm Oliver Rogers and crew members Blair Baillie and Paul Mageean onboard.
Conditions at the time of launching in this part of Northern Ireland had a fresh Force 5 north-westerly breeze, partially cloudy with a moderately choppy sea state.
Once on scene and having received an update from the coastguard, the crew began a search of the area. After speaking to people in the area, it was discovered that the beacon had been activated accidentally.
Speaking after the call-out, Portaferry RNLI volunteer helm Oliver Rogers said: “There are several types of emergency beacons available and it is a fantastic piece of equipment to have on any boat. An AIS (automatic identification system) man overboard transmitter is a personal safety device usually worn on a lifejacket. Once activated, it sends a continuous radio signal, which alerts the appropriate local emergency services and calculates a location.
“This time of year is a good time for boat owners who carry an emergency beacon on their vessel to check the registration details are up to date and that everyone onboard know what to do in an emergency.
“We urge anyone on or close to the water to take weather and tide times into account before venturing out. Always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity and always carry a means of communication. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”
