Portaferry RNLI respond to mayday call on Strangford Loughxa0
Portaferry RNLI volunteer crew launched at 7.18pm on Mondayxa0evening (31st March) after a mayday call was received by VHF radio stating that a pleasure craft was sinking at the entrance to Strangford Lough and the three people onboard were abandoning ship.
The message was heard by crew members already in Portaferry station and on the Strangford Lough ferry enabling lifeboat Blue Peter V to be launched immediately.
Crewing the rescue boat was helm Scott Blackwood, and crew members Paul Mageean, Molly Crowe, andxa0Area Operations Manager Phillip Johnston who happened to be on a visit to the station at the time.xa0
Conditions on launching were a Force 2 light south-easterly air, a smooth sea state and good visibility.xa0
As crew approached the area, they could see a vessel lying low in the water and moving slowly in the direction of shore.
The lifeboat crew stayed close by and observed as the casualty vessel continued to make progress and was eventually beached on Kilclief Beach.xa0
Speaking afterwards, Portaferry RNLI Helm Scott Blackwood said: ‘A mayday call is the most serious distress call used at sea and indicates a sailor in imminent danger. It hits differently when you hear that call over the radio for yourself.xa0
‘We had the salvage pump onboard the lifeboatxa0but thankfully the casualty vessel’s engine continued to run and the three crew made it to the safety of shore.
“We commend the crew onboard the vessel for calling for help as soon as they got into difficulty, this is always the correct thing to do.xa0
“We urge anyone planning to go out onto the water to ensure they have a means of calling for help and to ensure everyone onboard knows what to do if they get into difficulty.
“Always wear a lifejacket or suitable personal flotation device for your activity and check weather and tides before venturing out.xa0
‘If you are in trouble or see someone in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’xa0
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