Lifeboat crew with Kilkeel RNLI launched their Shannon class lifeboat this past weekend to come to the aid of two people left stranded when their small speedboat broke down in a busy shipping channel on Carlingford Lough.
The alarm was raised at around 9.30pm on Saturday evening (1 August) when the pair managed to contact the coastguard to inform they had broken down in their small speedboat on a navigational channel, midway between Greencastle and Greenore on Carlingford Lough.
With no lights on the vessel, the two had deployed their anchor but were concerned that an oncoming vessel would not see them in time to move out of the way.
Kilkeel RNLI launched the Shannon class lifeboat Bobby Cameron and arrived on scene in about 30 minutes. A lifeboat volunteer boarded the small boat to assist with the recovery of the anchor and it was established that a tow would be the safest viable option for the casualties.
The vessel was then taken to Greencastle where the two people were brought ashore. Kilkeel’s shore-based coastguard unit were also in attendance.
Commenting on the call-out Kilkeel RNLI coxswain Gerry Smyth said: “We are thankful for a successful outcome. We would always advise boat owners and operators to check their vessels and equipment before every trip. Make sure your engine is serviced regularly, check your fuel and ensure your boat is well maintained.
“Conditions can change rapidly and a small issue can develop into something serious. The people we assisted did the right thing by calling for help immediately. If you get into difficulty, or see someone else in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”
