Portaferry RNLI crew pagers sounded shortly before noon on Saturday (1 August) after a pan-pan signal was received from a lone sailor onboard a 6m yacht in the Irish Sea off Portavogie, on Northern Ireland’s Co Down coast.
The Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Blue Peter V was launched at the request of Belfast Coastguard from the lifeboat station during its open day event, with helm Scott Blackwood and crew Chris Adair, Rosslyn Watret and Becca Nightingale on board.
Conditions at the time of launching had a Force 3 gentle northerly breeze, partially cloudy with good visibility and a slight sea state.
When the casualty vessel was found, it was located east of the South Rock Buoy in the Irish Sea, four miles off the Ards Peninsula coast. Once on scene, a lifeboat crew member was transferred to the yacht to assess the condition of the sailor.
With no means of safely continuing his journey and due to the location of the vessel, the lifeboat helm decided to assist the sailor by towing the vessel to the safety of the nearby Portavogie Harbour.
Speaking after the call-out, Portaferry RNLI helm Scott Blackwood said: “This sailor was alone on his vessel and sent out a pan-pan message as soon as he became aware of a problem. We commend him for doing this quickly.
“When the radio is used to send a pan-pan, it informs the emergency services and other vessels in the area that an urgent problem exists.
“We would urge anyone heading out onto the water to check the weather and tide times for their location before leaving the shore, and to wear a lifejacket or suitable personal flotation device for your activity and always carry a means of calling for help.
“We would like to thank the people who were in our boathouse enjoying our open day when the alarm was raised. Your cooperation and willingness to move outside, very much aided us with our response to the pagers.
“We thank everyone who came along to our station open day today, and look forward to welcoming you back in the future.”
