Three rescued in Strangford Lough

Three rescued in Strangford Lough

9 April 2025

PORTAFERRY RNLI came to the rescue of three people on a boat in Strangford Lough last week.

A mayday call was received shortly after 7pm on Monday from a sinking motor yacht at the entrance to the lough.

The message was heard by crew members already in Portaferry station and on the Strangford Lough ferry, meaning that the lifeboat Blue Peter V could be launched immediately with helm Scott Blackwood, crew members Paul Mageean and Molly Crowe and Area Operations Manager Phillip Johnston, who happened to be on a visit to the station at the time. 

As crew approached the area, they could see a vessel lying low in the water and moving slowly in the direction of the shore. The lifeboat crew stayed close by and observed as the casualty vessel continued to make progress and was eventually beached on Kilclief Beach. 

Speaking after the incident, Mr Blackwood said a mayday call was the most serious distress call used at sea and indicates a sailor in imminent danger.

“It hits differently when you hear that call over the radio for yourself,” he remarked. 

Mr Blackwood said thankfully the casualty vessel’s engine continued to run and the three crew made it to the safety of the shore. 

He commended the crew onboard the vessel for calling for help as soon as they got into difficulty, which he described as “always the correct thing to do”.

He continued: “We urge anyone planning to go out onto the water to ensure they have a means of calling for help and to ensure everyone onboard knows what to do if they get into difficulty.

Always wear a lifejacket or suitable personal flotation device for your activity and check weather and tides before venturing out.”

He added: “If you are in trouble or see someone in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”