Flare aids rescue of crew in yacht taking on water
02/06/2022
The crew of a yacht taking on water in Ireland was found by an RNLI lifeboat team after firing a flare.
Belfast Coastguard called on Donaghadee RNLI one afternoon in May. It was asked to help rescue the eight-metre yacht and crew at Belfast Lough, near Bangor.
Three people on the yacht said they could see Kilroot Power Station. However, they could not narrow down their position any more.
Lifeboat Saxon was deployed into moderate sea conditions along with Irish Coastguard Search and also Rescue helicopter 118.
The crew of the yacht set off a red flare, enabling the crew of the lifeboat to locate them. They were followed shortly by the Search and Rescue helicopter.
The stricken yacht was towed to Bangor Marina.
Philip McNamara, Donaghadee Lifeboat Coxswain says, “We were happy to ensure the remaining safe passage of the 8-metre yacht into Bangor Marina, again the importance of asking for help as earlier as possible to ensure a positive outcome played a big part in this callout, also having the relevant equipment on board to help us locate you is essential. As always the crew’s quick response and skill were superb, and I extend my thanks to them.”
The image is from Donaghadee Lifeboat Station.
