Donaghadee RNLI volunteers launched their all-weather lifeboat this afternoon at the request of UK Coastguard after reports of three people in the water off Cloughey in Co.Down.
At 2.28pm UK Coastguard requested Donaghadee RNLI all-weather lifeboat launch after reports that three people were in the water at Ringbuoy, Cloughey.
Launching at 2.36pm the volunteers of lifeboat Saxon, following Covid-19 protocols, made full speed in calm conditions with a slight to moderate south easterly wind. During their passage they received reports that three locals had gone to sea in a kayak and got into difficulty. The casualties managed to reach ashore themselves and the lifeboat was requested to retrieve the kayak. As it was located in shallow water the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.
Philip McNamara, RNLI Coxswain at Donaghadee said “Whoever made the decision to call the coastguard did absolutely the correct thing. Situations can become precarious very quickly so the sooner we launch the better for the casualty. As always, we would urge all sea goers to wear a lifejacket and carry a means of contacting the shore. The volunteer crew at the station are of course fully prepared and trained to go to sea even during the current Covid-19 pandemic, we fully support the advice to Stay at Home and of course urge people to Respect the Water.”
Pic: Courtesy RNLI Donaghadee
