Bangor RNLI make several rescues as boating season begins
Response To Speedboat In Difficulty
Bangor RNLI has been busy in the run up the the summer boating season with a number of call outs to assist people in distress and possible danger.
At 7.15pm on Tuesday (1 April) Bangor RNLI volunteers were requested by Belfast Coastguard to assist a person on a 16ft speedboat in difficulty just off the shoreline at Brompton.
The lifeboat Ruby Robinson was launched at 7.20pm and made best speed to the casualty.
The weather at the time was dry, sunny with a calm sea state and little breeze. The sky was clear and visibility was good.
The person in difficulty raised the alarm when they realised there was a mechanical problem. When the volunteer crew arrived at the scene, they found the person aboard the boat safe and well. It was observed that they were wearing a lifejacket.
Helm Peterxa0Semplexa0assessed the situation and decided the best course of action was to establish a tow to bring the casualty to safety. RNLI crew transferred a crew member to the casualty boat and secured a tow line. The boat was then towed to the nearest safest harbour at Bangor marina.
Bangor RNLI diverts to two call outs during Saturday training exercise
At 3.42pm on Saturday (12 April) the volunteer crew of Bangor RNLI were returning from a planned training exercise when they were paged by Belfast Coastguard to assist in a search for a person or vessel in distress following a reported call for help from a VHF radio in the local vicinity.
Bangor RNLI’s inshore lifeboat Ruby Robinson conducted a search between Grey Point in Helens’ Bay and Bangor Marina; constantly checking radio signals and radar but nothing untoward was found.
Just as the search was being completed, the lifeboat was requested by Belfast Coastguard to assist an 8m RIB which had grounded and refloated at Carrickfergus Castle.
The lifeboat crew made their way to the scene and found the casualty vessel had damaged its gearbox on an outcrop of rocks.
The boat was without power and drifting very close to the rocky shoreline. As the vessel couldn’t make any safe onward progress, a decision was made to tow the RIB to the nearest safest harbour at Carrickfergus Marina.
“The person onboardxa0this boat did absolutely the correct thing by calling for assistance. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank both our lifeboat and shore crews for their efforts today.”
“If you see someone in trouble on the water or are in difficulties yourself do not hesitate to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
“Carry spare parts and tools if possible and ensure that you have a means for calling for assistance if you find yourself in trouble.
Bangor RNLI Launch Authority Tommy Burns said: ‘We would urge all boat owners to carry out regular maintenance checks on their vessel.
Bangor RNLI conduct a search for jet skier
At 12.19pmxa0Thursday 10 April, the volunteer crew of Bangor RNLI were paged by Belfast Coastguard following reports of a jet ski being spotted without anyonexa0onboard.
Bangor lifeboat returned to Bangor station at 2.30pm for a crew change and then resumed the search until 4.30pm when they were stood down by Belfast Coastguard.
No jet ski or jet skier were found during the extensive four hour search and nobody was reported missing.
Speaking following the search, Tom Bell, Bangor RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘We would like to commend everyone involved in today’s search and thank our colleagues in the Coastguard, those on our own lifeboat and our shore crew for their efforts today. We would always much rather launch, search and find all is well, rather than not launch at all.”
Speaking following the call outs, Bangor RNLI Helm Gareth Whan said: “As we approach the Easter holidays, we would remind anyone planning a trip on the water to go prepared.
“Always get the appropriate level of training for your vessel, ensure you are aware of your surroundings and the local hazards such as rocky outcrops and shallow areas and ensure your engine is well maintained and fuelled.
“Let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back. Always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity and should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”
