Portaferry RNLI Rescues Fisherman As Boat Sinks

PORTAFERRY RNLI rescued a fisherman from the sea after his vessel sank off the county Down coast.

The volunteer lifeboat crew responded to a Mayday call this afternoon (Wednesday 18 September)xa0following a request from the Coastguard to go to the aid of the man aboard a fishing boat that was reported to be sinking fast.

A spokesperson for Portaferry RNLI said: “The call was received atxa012.30pmxa0and the crew launched thexa0Blue Peter V, the station’s Atlantic 85 inshore class lifeboat atxa012.40pm.

“They were called to an area close to Butter Pladdy, about three miles north east of Strangford Bar just off Kearney Point in county Down.

“The lifeboat arrived on the scene atxa01.04pm, by which time the 7.1m fishing boat had sank. The lifeboat crew began a search for the man who had been on board.xa0Weather conditions at time presented rough seas with Force Five to Six winds blowing but visibilty was good.

“The fisherman was located atxa01.15pm, at which point, a member of the lifeboat crew entered the sea to assist the casualty into the lifeboat.

“Once both the casualty and lifeboat crew member were safely on board the lifeboat, the casualty was administered first aid and his condition assessed.xa0Also on scene was Donaghadee RNLI and the Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116.”

The casualty was subsequently winched into the helicopter from the lifeboat and flown directly to Musgrave Park Hospital in Belfast for treatment.xa0The fisherman had been wearing a personal flotation device.

Speaking following the rescue, Leonard Lawson, Portaferry RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said: ‘It is at times like this that the quick response of our volunteer crew members combined with their training and skill, save lives at sea. The lifeboat was launched within minutes and thankfully the casualty was located shortly after the crew arrived on the scene.

“The rescue of this man was undoubtedly helped by the fact that he was wearing his lifejacket.”