The Donaghadee RNLI Lifeboat was launched on Sunday June 12 at the request of the Belfast Coastguard to come to the aid of a broken down small speedboat which was drifting out to sea.
The volunteer crew were warned and asked to launch by the Coastguard at 9.42pm after a report from a member of the public at Ballyhalbert Harbor that a small speedboat was adrift.
With good visibility, light sea state and light westerly winds, the lifeboat Saxon was launched with a complement of seven volunteer crew on board and steamed to the Reported location of casualty vessel in approximately 35 minutes.
On arrival at the scene the crew found all three on board to be in good health, a tow line was attached to the vessel and it was towed into Ballyhalbert Harbor in the care of the team coast guard rescue.
Saxon returned to Donaghadee Harbor at approximately 11:12 p.m., where crew members cleaned the boat and prepared her for the next call.
John Ashwood, Volunteer Boat Captain, commented “A good result tonight as we were alerted when we still had light, although it was fading, otherwise it could have been a different scenario. We strongly advise you if you go out to sea to carry a means of communication, preferably a VHF radio that the lifeboat can use to locate your position. The importance of wearing proper life jackets can also never be underestimated. We were happy to bring the damaged vessel and three crew members to safety in Ballyhalbert Harbour.
