Portaferry RNLI’s volunteer crew launched at 10.50am on Saturday morning (25 July) at the request of Belfast Coastguard to assist two paddleboarders stranded on Salt Island, to the south of Strangford Lough on the East Antrim coast of Northern Ireland.
The inshore lifeboat Blue Peter V was launched with helm Chris Adair and crew members Molly Crowe, Becca Nightingale and Chris Hannon onboard.
Conditions at the time of launching had a Force 3 gentle north-westerly breeze, partially cloudy with good visibility, and a moderately choppy sea state.
Once on scene, the casualties were located quickly and although cold and stranded due to the Force 5 fresh inshore breeze, both were observed to be well.
After paddling to the lifeboat, the casualties were taken onboard and transferred to the care of the coastguard waiting at Killyleagh Yacht Club pontoon.
Speaking after the call-out, Adair said: “It took us 15 minutes to travel to Salt Island from Portaferry station. However, there was a significant change in the strength of the wind in that short time.
“Staying together and calling for help in this situation is always the correct thing to do.
“Before heading out onto the water, always check the weather and tide times for your location, on both your outward and return journey.
“Make sure you are wearing a lifejacket or suitable personal flotation device for your activity, and always carry a means of calling for help. If this is a mobile phone, ensure you have equipment to keep the phone fully charged.
“If you are in difficulty on the water, or see someone else in trouble, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”
