Storm Francis: RNLI Lifeboat rescues two people in yacht

Portaferry RNLI’s volunteer crew were alerted at 9.55am following a report from Belfast Coastguard that the yacht was dragging its anchor and drifting towards the shore.

Their lifeboat, helmed by Fergal Glynn and with crew members Ian Sands, Josh Boyd, and Rosalind Watret onboard, launched immediately and made its way to the scene.

Weather conditions were poor with heavy rain, a force seve wind and a choppy sea.

As a result, the all-weather lifeboat from Donaghadee RNLI was also called in to help, with another local vessel also offering support.

Once on scene, Portaferry RNLI observed that the yacht was drifting close to shore off Taggart Island but that the man and woman onboard were safe and well.

“A lifeboat crew member was transferred to the yacht where they took a line to the vessel to take the weight off the anchor,” the RNLI said.

“Once this was completed the inshore lifeboat proceeded to tow the yacht back to Killyleagh.”

Philip Johnston, Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: ‘Weather conditions at sea were not good this morning and the crew onboard the yacht did the right thing calling for help when they knew they were in difficulty. We would like to wish them a safe onward journey.

“Ahead of sailing, we would remind people to always respect the water. Always wear a lifejacket and always have a means of calling for help or signalling and ensure everyone onboard knows how to use it. Always check the weather forecast and tide times. Make sure someone on the shore knows where you are going and when you are due back.” If in difficult dial 999 or 112.

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