Request for assistance withdrawn prior to launch.

Lifeboat crew stood down

Belfast Coastguard requested the launch of Portaferry Lifeboat to assist two adult males reported to be stranded on Trasnagh Island, Strangford Lough due to problems returning to Whiterock in their dory in the deteriorating weather conditions.

Both casualties were located by the lifeboat crew on the southern end of Trasnagh Island and were requested by the lifeboat helmsman to make their way out in the shallow water in their dory towards the lifeboat which was waiting in safe water just a few metres from the shore.

Both casualties were transferred to the lifeboat and the dory was taken under tow to Whiterock where both casualties were landed to safety ashore.  Portaferry Lifeboat then returned to station

Mayday distress call heard by Holyhead Coastguard whilst on 24/7 monitoring watch on Ch 16 from a group of four kayakers using their hand-held marine radio to report that one of their group had capsized and they were all experiencing difficulties in reaching safety ashore.

The kayakers had been on passage from Ballyhenry Bay, Strangford Lough, to Port Kelly, Ballyquinton,

Portaferry Lifeboat was launched and proceeded to the Strangford Bar and using the lifeboat's radio direction finding equipment the crew were able to locate the 4 kayakers, in the Irish Sea, 2 miles south-east of the 'Strangford Bar'.

With an ebb tide in the Narrows of several knots and a following fresh to strong north-westerly wind the kayakers had been unable to reach Port Kelly and were quickly swept across the Strangford Bar into the Irish Sea.

Portaferry Lifeboat took all 4 kayakers on board and with one of their kayaks under tow then proceeded to Portaferry were the casualties were landed to safety ashore and given warming refreshments in the lifeboat station.  Portaferry Lifeboat then returned to the casualty area and retrieved the three remaining kayaks that were then taken under tow to Portaferry.