RNLI responds to two emergencies off Down coast

Donaghadee RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat launched twice on Sunday morning to assist with separate incidents off the Co Down coast.

The first launch, requested by Belfast Coastguard at 10.10am, was a medical evacuation from a cruise liner anchored off Bangor Harbour. Bangor RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was initially tasked, but Donaghadee’s all-weather lifeboat was also requested due to the nature of the incident.

A passenger was transferred from the cruise ship by tender, accompanied to shore by Donaghadee RNLI. Bangor Lifeboat remained on standby throughout the operation.

As the Donaghadee crew prepared to leave Belfast Harbour following the medivac, a second callout came at around noon. The coastguard requested assistance for a 22ft fishing vessel with two crew onboard that had lost all power in choppy waters near Kilroot.

The Donaghadee lifeboat immediately made its way to the scene. After assessing the situation, the Coxswain decided the safest course of action was to tow the vessel to Bangor Marina.

The lifeboat returned to station at 2.30pm, ready for further launches.

Colin McIlroy, Donaghadee RNLI’s Launch Authority, praised the coordinated response:
“It was a busy morning for our lifeboat crew and our thanks to our colleagues in Bangor RNLI and the Northern Ireland Air Ambulance, who were present for the first callout. Our thoughts are with the person involved in the medivac for their recovery.”

He added: “No two callouts are the same and lifeboat crew train for every type of emergency. We would always advise anyone in trouble on the water or who thinks they see someone in difficulty to dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”