Lifeboat launched after distress call from yacht

Lifeboat launched after distress call from yacht

3 July 2024

NEWCASTLE’S all-weather lifeboat, the Leonard Kent, was launched last Thursday evening after the Coastguard received a distress call from a yacht approximately 20 miles south east of Newcastle.

Weather conditions at the time of the launch at 7.20pm were overcast with fair visibility and a gentle breeze. 

The Leonard Kent arrived with the yacht at approximately 8.55pm where weather conditions had deterioriated.  There was a force 7 southeasterly and visibility was poor with a rough sea state.

As the lifeboat was making its way to the yacht, the Irish Coast Guard rescue helicopter 116 had made contact with the yacht and the four people on board, and ascertained all was well.

The lifeboat was requested to continue to the 12-metre yacht and on arrival also confirmed all on board were safe and well.

The distress call turned out to be a miscommunication.

Newcastle Lifeboat coxswain Gerry McConkey, said: ‘The volunteer crew were gathering at Newcastle lifeboat station for our usual Thursday evening training when the pager sounded to launch the all-weather lifeboat.  This allowed for a quick launch.

“On arrival we were glad to confirm the four people on board were safe and well and the yacht was not in any difficulty.”

He added: “We would ask everyone going to sea to ensure they have a working means of communication to make contact in an emergency.”