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Lifeboat crew stood down before launch.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched on service at the request of Belfast CGOC following a call for assistance by 2 kayakers who had made their way onto Island Taggart, Strangford Lough, reporting that 6 other persons were in difficulty.

H M Coastguard search and rescue teams tasked from Portaferry and Bangor.  Tasked also were the H M Coastguard SAR helicopter R199 from Prestwick, the Northern Ireland Air Ambulance Helicopter, an ambulance Incident Response Unit and paramedics.

On arrival on scene off Don O'Neill Island at 10:53 the Portaferry Lifeboat proceeded North and quickly located a green hulled Canadian style canoe with 3 persons on board which had taken on water with another person in the water holding on to the canoe.   

Photo: RNLI - Jordan Conway LPO

After recovering the 4 canoeists the lifeboat proceeded to Don O'Neill Island where a lifeboat crew member went ashore to assist 2 kayakers on the island in boarding the lifeboat.

Photo: RNLI - Jordan Conway LPO

All 6 casualties were then taken by the lifeboat to safety ashore at Killyleagh where HM Coastguards were in attendance with paramedics and ambulance crews.

Portaferry Lifeboat then proceeded to Island Taggart to stand off whilst the HM Coastguard SAR helicopter R199 airlifted 2 persons to a landing site at Killyleagh where they were handed into the care of an air ambulance medical team.

Photo: Portaferry Coastguard Search & Rescue Team

Following medical assessment of all 8 casualties none required further medical assistance.

Photo: Portaferry Coastguard Search & Rescue Team

Portaferry Lifeboat subsequently returned to recover 2 Canadian style canoes, 2 kayaks and some personal belongings left on Don O'Neill Island by two of the casualties before standing down and returning to station.

6 May 2020 @ 12:28
Shout No.4

Portaferry Lifeboat launched on service at the request of Belfast CGOC following reports of a person in the water clinging to a small craft at Greyabbey Bay, Strangford Lough.

Portaferry Coastguard rescue team and Irish Coast Guard rescue helicopter R116 also tasked.

Whilst the lifeboat was off the lateral marks at Kircubbin Bay on passage to the casualty reports were received that the person had made their own way to safety ashore.  

Helicopter R116 stood down.

Portaferry Lifeboat stood down and returned to station.

Note - later in the afternoon reports were also recieved by Belfast CGOC of a person in the water in Cloughey Bay after their kayak had sunk.  Donaghadee and Portaferry Lifeboats requested to launch at 14:33 and Coast Guard helicopter R116 also tasked. Following the arrival on scene of Portaferry Coastguard rescue team it was ascertained that the casualty was safely ashore and the launch of Portaferry Lifeboat and tasking of rescue helicopter R116 were cancelled.

Donaghadee Lifeboat, already on passage, arrived on scene and on ascertaining that all persons were safe ashore returned to station.

Report received by Belfast CGOC that a windsurfer might be in difficulty South of Greyabbey, Strangford Lough.

Lifeboat crew stood down and lifeboat launch aborted following confirmation by Belfast CGOC that the windsurfer had made their own way to safely ashore,

Report received by Belfast CGOC of a broken-down jetski with 2 persons on board off Cloughey and now drifting approximately 2NM out to sea with a kayker who had gone to their assistance.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched on service and proceeded to the reported casualty position.

On arrival on-scene 3 persons were recovered from the water by the lifeboat crew and taken to safety ashore where coastguards from Bangor and Portaferry were in attendance.

Portaferry Lifeboat returned to station.

21 June 2020 @ 21:13
Shout No.9

Reports received by Belfast CGOC of the sighting of what appeared to be the hull of an up-turned boat approximately 1NM off the County Down coast, near Ardglass. Urgency PAN PAN messages broadcast by Belfast GCOC.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched on service and proceeded to the search area.  Coastguard SAR helicopter Rescue-199 tasked from Prestwick.  Newcastle Coastguard shore rescue team tasked.

On arrival in the search area Portaferry Lifeboat crew commenced a search and following visual assistance by coastguards and others from ashore the lifeboat crew located the rermains of a whale of approximately 4m in length.  Rescue-199 on passage to the area was then stood down.

Following the lifeboat crew conveyed the Lat/Long position of the deceased whale to Belfast CGOC for retransmission as a potential navigational hazard, Portaferry Lifeboat returned to station.

25 June 2020 @ 17:04
Shout No.10

Portaferry Lifeboat launched on service at the request of Belfast CGOC following the report of a 21ft boat with engine failure in a position East of the Strangford Bar Bouy.

On arrival with the casualty vessel, which had been able to anchor, the lifeboat crew secured a tow line and the vessel was taken under tow to Portaferry Marina where coastguards were in attendance.

Portaferry Lifeboat returned to station

27June 2020 @ 17:04
Shout No.11

Portaferry Lifeboat launched on service at the request of Belfast CGOC following a request for assistance from a 7m RHIB with engine failure and drifting towards Angus Rock at the entrance to Strangford Lough. 3 persons on board.

Portaferry Lifeboat crew located the casualty vessel close to Angus Rock.  Vessel taken under tow to Portaferry Marina where 3 persons were landed to safety ashore with coastguards in attendance to assist.

Portaferry Lifeboat returned to station

Portaferry Lifeboat requested to launch by Belfast CGOC following a request for assistance by kaykers on Salt Island, Strangford Lough, and unable to leave the island safely due to increasingly poor sea conditions in strong to gale force winds.

Portaferry Lifeboat proceeded to Salt Island and took 9 kayakers to safety ashore at Quoile Yacht Club.

Portaferry Lifeboat returned to station.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched on service at the request of Belfast GGOC following a request for assistance from a 7m angling boat with engine problems but able to anchor off Tara, South of Kearney Point. 4 persons on board.

Portaferry Lifeboat proceeded to the casualty position and on arrival on scene the lifeboat crew secured a tow-line to the casualty vessel.

Portaferry Lifeboat proceeded to Portaferry Marina with the casualty vessel under tow and on arrival 4 persons were landed to safety ashore with coastguards in attendance to assist.

Portaferry Lifeboat returned to Station.

Photo: Portaferry Coastguard rescue team

2 August 2020 @ 13:59
Shout No.14

Portaferry Lifeboat launched on service at the request of Belfast CGOC following the report of a person missing off Cloughey in a small sailing vessel.

Donaghadee Lifeboat and Portaferry Coastguard Rescue Team also tasked.

Following a report by coastguards that the missing person was safely ashore Portaferry and Donaghadee lifeboats which were on passage to the area were stood down and returned to their stations.

4 August 2020 @ 11:39
Shout No.15

Portaferry Lifeboat launched on service at the request of Belfast CGOC following the report of a car in the water at Strangford Quay.

On arrival at Strangford Quay the lifeboat crew immediately commenced working to support members of the public to rescue any casualties from the vehicle.  A male casualty was subsequently recovered from the water and taken on board the lifeboat before being transferred into the care of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service at Strangford.

Following the casualty being recovered from the water a search for any other missing persons was commenced by Portaferry Lifeboat and the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 199.

When it was ascertained that no other persons were missing, Portaferry Lifeboat and the CG Rescue Helicopter 199 were stood down.

The casualty, who had been transported to the Royal Victoria Hospital, was later pronounced deceased. (The person taken from the water was later named as Mr Brian Black.)

A number of agencies and persons involved in the rescue operation included the Northern Ireland Air Ambulance, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, the PSNI, HM Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 119, the Portaferry Coastguard Rescue Team and members of the public including an off duty paramedic.

Following the rescue attempt, Philip Johnston, Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, issued a statement - ‘On behalf of all the volunteers at Portaferry RNLI, we would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family of Brian Black. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.’

Portaferry Lifeboat launched at the request of Belfast CGOC following reports from members of the public who heard shouts for help from a kayker in the water in the proximity of the Walter Rock.

On arrival of the lifeboat on-scene the volunteer lifeboat crew were assisted by the public in quickly located the casualty who was still in the water and who had been clinging onto his kayak for over 15 minutes.

After taking the kayaker on board the lifeboat it proceeded to the ferry slipway at Portaferry where the casualty was landed to safety ashore and into the care of the Portaferry and Bangor coastguard rescue teams and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched at the request of CGOC Belfast following reports that a 7m yacht with 3 persons on board had reported engine difficulties whilst on passage in the Strangford Narrows. Casualty vessel located aground at Rue Point by Portaferry Coastguard Rescue Team.

On arrival of the Portaferry Lifeboat with the casualty vessel a tow line was established and the vessel was taken to Strangford Quay where 3 persons were landed to safety ashore.

Portaferry Lifeboat returned to station.

Yacht reported aground off Mahee Island.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched on service and on arrival with the casualty vessel it was found to be hard aground on an ebbing tide. All persons on board found to be safe and well and further assistance not required.

Portaferry Lifeboat returned to station.

Note: Casualty vessel safely refloated on following flood tide with Newtownards Sailing Club rescue RHIB in attendance.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched on service following a report that a 25ft yacht was possibly adrift in Doctors Bay, South of Kircubbin.

On arrival on-scene the lifeboat crew reported that the yacht was safely anchored.

Portaferry Lifeboat returned to Station.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched on service at the request of Belfast CGOC following receipt of a request for assistance from a 36ft yacht anchored east of Island Taggart, Strangford Lough, with engine difficulties and in danger of drifting towards shore in F7 to F8 easterly winds. 2 persons on board.

Donaghadee Lifeboat tasked by Belfast CGOC to assist.
Commercial barge Skua on passage in Strangford Lough proceeding to assist.

Portaferry Lifeboat proceeded to the casualty position and on arrival a crew member was put on board the yacht to help in securing a tow line and the retrieval of the vessel's anchor. Both persons on board were safe and well.

Following a tow-line being secured and the vessel's anchor safely retrieved, Portaferry Lifeboat proceeded at slow speed towards Killyleagh with the casualty vessel in tow.

Donaghadee Lifeboat stood down by Belfast CGOC and returned to station.
Commercial barge Skua on passage to assist stood down.

On arrival off Killyleagh the casualty vessel was transferred onto a mooring off Killyleagh Yacht Club with the two persons on board safe and well.

Portaferry Lifeboat returned to Station.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched to assist a 13m yacht aground close to the entrance to Portaferry Marina.

Yacht found to be hard aground on an ebbing tide. All persons on board safe and well.

Portaferry Lifeboat returned to station.

Vessel re-floated successfully on following flood tide and berthed safely in Portaferry Marina

Photo: Portaferry Coastguard Rescue Team

Report received from a yacht by Belfast CGOC advising that a paddle-board had been found drifting southward in Ringhaddy Sound.

Owing to the possibility that someone was missing Portaferry Lifeboat was launched on service.

Whilst on passage the owner of the paddle-board advised Belfast CGOC that their paddle-board drifted away from its teather and that they were safe and well.

Portaferry Lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.

Belfast CGOC received a request for assistance from a 6m motor boat having lost engine power and drifting eastward from a last know position between the Strangford Fairway Buoy and St Patricks Rock.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched on service and quickly located the casualty vessel.

Casualty vessel taken under tow to Portaferry Marina where members of the Portaferry Coastguard Rescue Team were in attandance and all persons from the casualty vessel were landed to safety ashore.

Portaferry Lifeboat returned to station.

Photo: Jordan Conway LPO - Portaferry RNLI

Portaferry Lifeboat launched on service at the request of Belfast CGOC following the activation of an EPIRB registered to a 10m fishing vessel, indicating a position on the western area of Strangford Lough.

Bangor and Portaferry Coastguard rescue teams tasked.

Portaferry Lifeboat requested to conduct a sea search from Ringhaddy Sound northwards.

Photo: Marine Traffic

Following an extensive search exceeding 2.5 hours no EPIRB location was detected.

EPIRB source located at Killyleagh by coastguard team.

Portaferry Lifeboat returned to station at 17.23

Portaferry Lifeboat launched on service following a report of a small yacht aground close to the shoreline 0.5NM north of Newtownards Sailing Club.

Portaferry Lifeboat arrived on scene where a coastguard team were attempting to prevent the casualty vessel drifting further onto rocks.  

Photo: Belfast Coastguard Rescue Team

Photo: Marine Traffic - 2 Sept 2020

After the lifeboat crew secured a towline the casualty vessel was taken under tow towards Newtownards Sailing Club.  On arrival off NSC a safety boat was in attendance and gave assistance to the lifeboat crew in securing the yacht to a suitable mooring.

Portaferry Lifeboat returned to station.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched on service following the report of a 8m yacht aground at the Limestone Rock, Strangford Lough, with 2 persons on board.

Portaferry Lifeboat proceeded to the casualty position and on arrival on scene the lifeboat crew gave assistance in deploying the vessel's anchor on the ebbing tide. 2 persons from the casualty vessel then landed to safety ashore at Ringhaddy.

Portaferry Lifeboat returned to station.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched on service at the request of Belfast CGOC following receipt of a 999 call reporting that a 11 year old girl had fallen onto a cliff ledge at Ardglass, County Down.

HM Coastguard rescue teams from Portaferry, Newcastle and Kilkeel tasked.

Portaferry Lifeboat arrived on scene off Ardglass Golf Club and was tasked to stand by at sea whilst coastguard teams used rope rescue equipment to bring the girl to the top of the cliff. The coastguard rescue team then gave assistance to a member of the public who had attempted to reach the young girl from the bottom of the cliff.

Portaferry Lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched at the request of Belfast CGOC following the report of an 18ft open fishing boat aground due to engine difficulties at Granagh Bay, Strangford Narrows. One person reported to be on board.

Vessel located and taken under tow to Strangford harbour.

Portaferry Lifeboat returned to station.