Portaferry RNLI’s crew pagers sounded at 8.43pm on Thursday evening (16 July) after Belfast Coastguard were alerted to a personal watercraft found adrift by a passing RIB in the Irish Sea several miles east of the entrance of Strangford Lough.
The inshore lifeboat Blue Peter V launched quickly with helm Rusty McGovern, and crew Chris Adair, Paul Mageean and Chris Hannon onboard. Conditions at the time in this part of Northern Ireland had a northerly, light Force 2 air, calm sea state, clear skies and excellent visibility.
Once on scene, and with no sign of a casualty, the Portaferry lifeboat crew began a search of the area. The crew of Peel RNLI all-weather lifeboat, Frank and Brenda Winter, were also tasked and joined the Portaferry crew soon afterwards, as did two coastguard aircraft.
The watercraft's owner was eventually located safe and well ashore and Portaferry lifeboat crew were stood down by the coastguard at 10.45pm.
Speaking after the call-out, Portaferry RNLI volunteer helm Rusty McGovern said: “We commend the crew of the passing RIB for raising the alarm, this is always the right thing to do.
“When we arrived on scene, the jet ski was upturned and after righting it, we began a search of the area. This search continued until the owner was located ashore.
“This multi-agency call out had a good outcome and was great experience for volunteer lifeboat crew member Chris Hannon, who was on his first call out since passing out as inshore lifeboat crew.
“We remind anyone who finds themselves in difficulty in the water to float on their back until help reaches them. The best way to float is to tilt your head back with your ears submerged, relax and breathe normally. Gently move your hands and legs to help stay afloat. Spread your arms and legs out to improve stability.
“If you see someone in difficulty in the water, do not enter the water yourself. Phone 999 and ask for the coastguard to get help. Tell the struggling person to Float to Live and if you can, throw them something that floats, such as a life ring.”
Portaferry RNLI thank everyone who shared information on their social media pages on the night. This was helpful in the search for information regarding the watercraft’s owner and eventually led to search being stood down.
