2006

Sea search commenced by Portaferry lifeboat off Ardglass and liferaft located shortly afterwards by lifeboat crew with one survivor on board. Survivor advised lifeboat crew that two other fishermen were also aboard the 'Greenhill'.

Survivor hypothermic and taken to safety ashore where he was transferred to hospital by ambulance. Newcastle Lifeboat and an Irish Coast Guard SAR helicopter from Dublin arrived off Ardglass shortly afterwards and joined in sea searches.

Coastguard teams from Newcastle, Kilkeel, Ardglass and Portaferry carried out extensive shoreline searches between Killough and Guns Island. Fishing vessels from Ardglass joined sea search under the command of Newcastle Lifeboat with Portaferry Lifeboat searching the in-shore area of the search pattern. Sea and coast searches continued in difficult weather conditions.

Police helicopter took over search from Irish Coastguard helicopter that had exhausted its endurance time over the area. Search scaled down by HM Coastguard at approx 02:00 on 20 January.

At first light searches were resumed by Newcastle & Portaferry lifeboats.  Irish Coast Guard SAR Helicopter also recommenced further search of the area.  Police helicopter rejoined search shortly afterwards. Searches conducted offshore and inshore between St John's Point and Killard Point by helicopters, lifeboats and fishing vessels.

Shore searches conducted by coastguards and members of the public. The fisheries protection vessel 'Ken Vickers' joined search using specialised sonar equipment.  Wreck of the 'Greenhill' located on the seabed off Ardglass harbour. Weather and sea conditions at that time unsuitable for diving.

Official search for survivors scaled down at approx 15:00 and Newcastle and Portaferry lifeboats released from service.

22nd January 2006 - Volunteer divers located the body of one of the missing fisherman.

Yacht had been on passage between Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, and Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim.

Yacht located by lifeboat crew and taken under tow towards Strangford Bar.  Weather conditions at that time deteriorating with rain showers and winds gusting to over 30 knots.

After difficult passage, casualty vessel and two persons taken to safety at Strangford village, Co. Down.

Fishing vessel 'Margaret Anne' with two persons on board reported taking water in a position approx 10 nautical miles east of Ardglass, Co. Down.  

Vessel's life-raft and EPIRB deployed. Newcastle and Portaferry lifeboats launched to assist.

Irish Coastguard Air/Sea Rescue helicopter from Dublin tasked to scene. Portaferry Lifeboat arrived with the casualty vessel and took two persons on board for their safety.

Newcastle Lifeboat and Air/Sea rescue helicopter arrived on scene shortly afterwards with emergency water pumps. Emergency water pumps were transferred from the lifeboat and the helicopter to the fishing vessel and the water level was eventually stabilised. Fishing vessel was then taken under tow towards Ardglass, Co. Down by Newcastle Lifeboat, escorted by Portaferry Lifeboat.  

After a two hour tow the Newcastle Lifeboat and Portaferry Lifeboat entered Ardglass Harbour where the 'Margaret Anne' was brought alongside and two were persons landed to safety ashore.

Portaferry Lifeboat (centre bottom) and the Newcastle Lifeboat (centre top) assisting the fishing vessel Margaret Anne. Note liferaft deployed and emergency water pump in use. (Photograph taken from Irish Coastguard Air/Sea rescue helicopter 116)

Fishing vessel 'Bountiful' disabled approx.10 nautical miles East of Ardglass, Co. Down after entangling wire hawser around propeller. Hawser attached to grounded fishing gear and nets.

Newcastle Lifeboat launched. Portaferry Lifeboat launched shortly afterwards to assist.

Various attempts made by lifeboat crew and fishermen to free the grounded fishing gear from the stern tube of the fishing vessel. After 4 hours the vessel was freed from the grounded fishing gear but wire hawser was still fouling the vessel's propeller.

Newcastle Lifeboat was then able to commence a slow tow of the fishing vessel towards Ardglass. Portaferry Lifeboat released for a crew change in Portaferry.

Portaferry Lifeboat returned and assisted Newcastle Lifeboat in taking the fishing vessel 'Bountiful' to safety in Ardglass Harbour after a service lasting 8 hours.

Lifeboat launched to assist young adult male reported to have sustained serious injuries at Sheepland Harbour.

On arrival, lifeboat crew found casualty to be in severe pain due to shoulder and other injuries.

Casualty transferred to lifeboat and taken to Ardglass Harbour. On arrival, casualty transferred to awaiting ambulance and transported to hospital.

Small speedboat with three persons on board reported to be out of fuel and drifting off Ringdufferin, Strangford Lough.

Lifeboat located the casualty vessel with three persons on board off Dunsey Island and then took the vessel under tow to Ringhaddy

Jet Skier reported to be in difficulties in Cloughey Bay.

Casualty brought ashore to safety by another jet skier whilst lifeboat on passage to the area and lifeboat recalled to station

24 ft yacht with three persons on board with rudder failure and in danger of being driven ashore.

Vessel taken under tow by Portaferry Lifeboat in difficult weather conditions and taken to safety in Portaferry Marina.

4 metre R.I.B. in Kilclief Bay with four persons on board. Damaged propeller and unable to make way.

Vessel taken under tow by Portaferry lifeboat to safety to Strangford harbour.

Adult female reported missing after clothes found in vicinity of Castleward Bay.

Missing female located in the water off church point and brought ashore by lifeboat crew to an awaiting ambulance at Strangford harbour.

5.2 metre R.I.B. with four persons on board out of fuel approx 1/4 nm east of the Strangford fairway buoy.

Portaferry Lifeboat stood by vessel whilst fuel transferred from another vessel in the vicinity.

R.I.B. then proceeded towards Portavogie.

5.5 metre dory off limestone rock. Out of fuel with two persons on board.

Portaferry Lifeboat took the dory under tow to safety at Whiterock.

4-metre punt on rocks off Gunn's Island. Two adults and a child reported ashore. Vessel was out of fuel.

Portaferry Lifeboat lifeboat took three persons to safety ashore at Ballyhornan.

7 metre speedboat with engine failure off Brown Rocks, Ringhaddy Sound.

Portaferry lifeboat towed vessel and occupants to safety at Whiterock.

11 metre yacht with two persons on board driven hard aground on Ballyhenry Island.

Attempts by Portaferry Lifeboat to tow vessel off were unsuccessful. Lifeboat crew gave assistance to secure vessel.

Vessel successfully re-floated by owners several days later.

Yacht aground on 21st August 2006 at Ballyhenry Island, Strangford Lough

(No. 1) Person reported to be in difficulties off Kirkistown Caravan Park.

Prior to arrival of Portaferry Lifeboat off Kirkistown Spit, an adult male was taken ashore by a jet skier where Coastguards from Portaferry were in attendance.

Casualty was transferred to hospital by ambulance.

(No. 2) Vessel reported aground on the Long Sheelah rocks by person ashore.

Portaferry Lifeboat arrived in area and nothing found.

Search conducted northwards and an 11-metre yacht was located hard aground on the South Rock (Strangford Lough) with two persons aboard. Four persons had been taken off earlier by another vessel.

Yacht was successfully re-floated by owner on the following tide.

A 64-year-old male was reported to have taken a seizure aboard a 28-ft motor boat in vicinity of Castleward Bay.

Portaferry Lifeboat crew gave assistance awaiting the arrival of a paramedic being conveyed from Strangford harbour by the passenger charter vessel St Brendan.  Casualty's condition stabilised by paramedic.

Casualty transferred to lifeboat and taken ashore to an awaiting ambulance.

30 ft motor-sailer reported aground on Dunsy Island, Strangford Lough with two persons on board.

On arrival of Portaferry Lifeboat the casualty vessel was found to be hard aground on a falling tide. Two lifeboat crew members put ashore to assist in stabilising vessel.

Crew returned to lifeboat and a kedge anchor was deployed from the vessel to prevent the vessel drifting further ashore on next rising tide. Communications established between casualty vessel and Belfast Coastguard and lifeboat returned to station to await next flood tide.

Lifeboat returned at approx 03:00 and gave assistance in re-floating the vessel.

Vessel then escorted to safety in Ballydornan Sound.

Report from ashore of intermittent white light coming from a yacht moored in Ringhaddy Sound, Strangford Lough.

Coastguards from Whiterock tasked and confirmed white intermittent seen from ashore.

Portaferry Lifeboat crew searched the yacht and surrounding area and nothing found. Intermittent light believed to have been reflections from the yacht's mast from strong light ashore.

5 metre R.I.B. with four persons on board with engine failure off Killyleagh, Co. Down.

Vessel located by lifeboat crew close to the 'Barrel Rock' and taken under tow to the Cooke Street pier at Portaferry where 4 persons were landed to safety ashore.

Adult female reported seriously ill on board vessel in Ringhaddy Sound, Strangford Lough.

On arrival, Portaferry Lifeboat took casualty from vessel to local jetty. Casualty transported by awaiting ambulance to the Downe Hospital, Downpatrick.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched to investigate reports of two punts in potential difficulties at Rock Angus due to the rapid formation of dense fog in the area.

Both punts with occupants located by lifeboat whilst on passage ashore and no assistance required.

Report of sighting of liferaft at Butter Pladdy, 1 nm south-east of Kearney Point, Co. Down.

Portaferry Lifeboat crew located deflated 6-man liferaft and transported same ashore for further investigation.

Following enquiries liferaft was found to be from the yacht 'Megawat' that sank on 25 May 2005 approx 10 nm miles off the Co. Down coast, when all 3 persons on board were rescued by the yacht 'Quite Correct'.

Yacht with two persons on board aground off Bird Island, Strangford Lough.

On arrival of Portaferry Lifeboat the crew gave assistance to stabilise yacht that was then hard aground on an ebb tide.

Portaferry Lifeboat returned to scene several hours later to assist in refloating vessel on the flood tide.  Vessel successfully refloated and escorted to safety at Whiterock, Co. Down.

Speedboat with 4 persons on board with engine failure off Walter Rock, Strangford Lough.

Portaferry Lifeboat took vessel with the four occupants under tow to safety ashore at Strangford village.

Speedboat with 5 persons on board with engine failure off Salt Rock, Strangford Lough Narrows.

Portaferry Lifeboat took the vessel with occupants under tow to safety ashore at Portaferry.

Vessel reported to be flashing a light off Walter Rock.

Portaferry Lifeboat located a broken down speedboat and took the vessel under tow to safety in Portaferry

Adult male reported to be entering deep water at Cloughey Bay and refusing to return ashore.

Donaghadee and Portaferry lifeboats launched to assist. Coastguards dispatched to area.

Person persuaded to return ashore and both lifeboats stood down shortly before reaching the area.

Reports of yacht with two persons on board in difficulty at Ballywhite.

Portaferry Lifeboat crew found dory adrift in the area.  Dory returned to owner.

33ft ketch on southerly passage off South Point, Tara, Ards Peninsula with two persons and dog on board, suspected hull damage and taking water after striking submerged object. Male crew member with head injuries.

Casualty vessel located by Portaferry Lifeboat and escorted to safety in Portaferry. Injured crewman transported to hospital for treatment via awaiting ambulance.

Motor boat, off Limestone Rock, steering difficulties, two persons on board. Vessel displaying navigation lights.

Casualty vessel located by Portaferry Lifeboat and taken under tow by lifeboat to safety at Ringhaddy, Strangford Lough.

Reports of flashing light seen near Strangford Buoy.

Portaferry Lifeboat crew investigated and located dive boat operating in the area using a strobe light for identification purposes. All OK on board dive vessel and lifeboat returned to station.

Adult male reported missing near Greyabbey after his pet dog returned home alone. Coastguard search team despatched to search shoreline area.

Portaferry Lifeboat crew put on standby awaiting rising tide to search inshore area off Greyabbey.

Adult male made his own way home shortly afterwards and reported he had collapsed during his walk. Lifeboat crew and coastguard team stood down.

10 metre yacht off Gunns Island with engine failure and 2 persons on board. Yacht had been on passage between Strangford Lough and Bangor, Co. Down.

Newcastle and Portaferry lifeboats launched to assist.

Portaferry Lifeboat reached casualty vessel and escorted same across the Strangford Bar whilst under partial (reefed) sail.

Newcastle Lifeboat stood down after safe passage of casualty across the Strangford Bar and returned to station.

Casualty vessel then taken under tow off Kilclief to Strangford Village by Portaferry Lifeboat where two persons were landed to safety ashore.

2004

Portaferry Lifeboat launched to search for 14 year old boy reported to have fallen into the sea from harbour at Killough, Co. Down.

Newcastle offshore and inshore lifeboats also launched on service.

Irish Coast Guard air-sea rescue helicopter from Dublin, with on-board thermal imaging equipment, dispatched to search sea area.

Sea conditions in area poor due to strong to gale force winds with dangerous onshore swell producing large breaking waves. Portaferry Lifeboat arrived off Killough at approx. 1520 and two Jet Skis observed by crew to be searching around harbour area. Search pattern advice given by lifeboat crew. Jet Ski located item of clothing off seaward end of Coney Island and item taken ashore for examination by HM Coastguard.

HM Coastguard shore search teams commenced extensive shoreline search. Donaghadee Lifeboat launched on service approx. 1600 and joined search later in the evening. Nothing further found after several hours of air, sea and shoreline searches. Search terminated by HM Coastguard approx. 2130.

At approx. 0800 following morning Portaferry Lifeboat, Newcastle's inshore and all-weather lifeboats launched to resume search. Irish Coastguard helicopter and several HM Coastguard search teams also deployed. Following extensive search between St John's Point and Ardglass nothing found and at approx. 1230 search terminated.

Footnote:

On Sunday 1st February the body of the missing 14 year old boy, Jordan Murdock, was found a short distance from Killough harbour, from where he had fallen into the sea

Report to HM Coastguard of a person in difficulty off Mahee Point, Mahee Island, Strangford Lough.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched and HM Coastguard team from Whiterock despatched to the area.

On arrival of the lifeboat two adult males were found adrift with their sailboards and both exhibiting signs of early hypothermia.

Both sailboarders taken to safety at Newtownards Sailing Club.

Jet Skier reported to be in difficulties in vicinity of St Patrick's Rock.

A Yacht and powerboat in the vicinity both responded to HM Coastguard broadcast for assistance.

The powerboat, on passage from Ardglass to Strangford Lough, had located the jet skier and stood by until the arrival of the lifeboat.

Jet Ski and occupant taken to safety ashore by the lifeboat in Ballyhornan Bay.

Dinghy with two persons on board reported to have capsized in Knockinelder Bay.

Whilst Portaferry Llifeboat was on passage to the casualty unconfirmed reports received of two persons having made their way to safety ashore.

Lifeboat requested to proceed to search the area until reports confirmed and no other persons missing.

Search conducted of Knockinelder Bay and discontinued when confirmed that no other persons were missing.

35ft Yacht with fouled anchor at Audley's Road with one person on board.

Portaferry Lifeboat crew gave assistance to free anchor.

Person reported in the water after being separated from their Jet Ski off Island Hill.

One person and jet ski recovered by Portaferry Lifeboat and taken to safety ashore at Island Hill.

4ft plastic paddle pool dinghy reported adrift off Island Hill with two teenagers on board.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched to assist. On arrival at Island Hill a Coastguard team reported both teenagers were now safely ashore.

Small yacht with two persons on board reported adrift on ebb tide between Killard Point and Kilclief Castle.

Yacht located by Portaferry Lifeboat and two persons taken to safety at Strangford village.

Dinghy with engine failure and one person on board reported adrift in darkness and strong tidal flow off Strangford village.

Portaferry Lifeboat locaed dinghy and one person landed to safety ashore at Portaferry.

Emergency 999 call received by Coastguards reporting that three persons had fallen into the water off a yacht in Whiterock Bay.

Extensive search of the area conducted by the lifeboat crew and a local coastguard team.  

Nil found and 999 call now considered as a malicious hoax.

34Ft Yacht reported aground at Angus Rock.

Portaferry Lifeboat arrived with casualty and found yacht hard aground and starting to list on an ebb tide. Lifeboat crew used lifeboat to tow the vessel off the rocks.

There were concerns that the yacht's steering gear was damaged during the incident and lifeboat then escorted the casualty vessel until those aboard were satisfied that they had sufficient steerage to reach their intended destination in Strangford Lough.

10M Yacht aground at Butter Pladdy with 3 adults and 3 children on board.

Yacht refloated and vessel escorted by Portaferry Lifeboat to safe water. Yacht continued on passage to Ardglass.

Windsurfer reported to be in difficulties off Newtownards Sailing Club.

On arrival the Portaferry Lifeboat the windsurfer was located.

Windsurfer was not in difficulties and lifeboat returned to station.

25ft cabin cruiser reported to be in difficulties near Butter Pladdy off Kearney Point.

Portaferry Lifeboat located casualty vessel with engine failure with one person on board.

Vessel with occupant taken under tow to safety in Portaferry.

Two persons reported to be in rowing boat off the Walter Rock at circa 22:00 and unable to make way against the strong tide.

Casualty vessel quickly located by Portaferry Lifeboat and a small punt with two male teenagers taken to safety in Portaferry.

Glen class racing yacht reported to be dismasted off Mahee Island.

Portaferry Lifeboat arrived off the casualty as SLYC 'Whiterock Rescue' vessel arrived on scene.

Dismasted yacht taken under tow by 'Whiterock Rescue' vessel to Strangford Lough Yacht Club. Lifeboat escorted both vessels and then returned to station.

Small motor cruiser reported to HM Coastguard in difficulties in strong tide in Strangford Narrows.

Portaferry Lifeboat located motor cruiser but did not require assistance.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched circa 03:00 after reports received by HM Coastguard of a wildfowler marooned on Shones Island after his punt had drifted away.

Lifeboat arrived with casualty and recovered adrift punt.  Wildfowler decided to remain on Shones Island. Lifeboat returned to station.

Reports to HM Coastguard of small boat capsized and persons in the water off Ardglass.

Portaferry Lifeboat crew paged but lifeboat launch put on standby.

Royal Navy patrol vessel in the immediate area reported that persons in the water were being recovered. Casualties taken ashore to awaiting ambulance at Ardglass marina. Launch of lifeboat not required.

27ft yacht off Strangford Bar with 2 persons on board unsure of their position in darkness and choppy sea conditions. Both persons nauseated.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched and on arrival with casualty crew member put on board yacht to assist.

Yacht taken under tow to safety in Portaferry marina and 2 persons landed to safety ashore.

Three persons reported in difficulty attempting to return from Salt Island to Killyleagh in 8ft dinghy powered by small outboard motor.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched to investigate in strong to gale force winds.

Three male teenagers located on Salt Island. Teenagers had made several attempts to return to Killyleagh in heavy seas before their dinghy was swamped close to shore.

All three males were taken by lifeboat to safety in Killyleagh and handed over to a waiting coastguard team from Whiterock. It was noted by the lifeboat crew that none of the trio were wearing lifejackets.

4 red flares reported at southern end of Strangford Lough.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched to investigate and Coastguard teams from Portaferry, Whiterock and Newcastle tasked to search shoreline.

Lifeboat searched area from Ballyhenry Bay to the Quoile estuary to Kircubbin Bay and to Portaferry. Nothing found and lifeboat returned to station. Coastguard search teams stood down.

Regarded as a malicious hoax

Rib with 3 persons on board with engine failure near Abbey Rocks.

Rib and occupants taken to safety at Portaferry by Portaferry Lifeboat.

Jet Skier reported to be in difficulties in the Narrows.

Portaferry Lifeboat on exercise and diverted to incident. Jet Skier located and taken to safety ashore.

Upturned punt reported off Cloughey.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched to investigate but recalled to station by HM Coastguard prior to arrival in Cloughey Bay.

Fisherman with a large fish hook embedded in his skull reported near Lee's Wreck, in Strangford Narrows.

Portaferry Lifeboat took casualty to Portaferry and after examination by local doctor the fisherman was transported by ambulance to hospital.

RIB with 2 adults and three children on board reported engine failure off Rock Patrick.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched and took RIB and occupants to safety.

Punt reported adrift off Swan Island with one male person on board.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched to assist but occupant was able to make his way ashore unaided and lifeboat recalled.

34 ft motor boat with two adults and three children on board off Marsfield with fouled propeller.

Portaferry Lifeboat took vessel and occupants under tow to safety in Killyleagh.

21 ft fishing vessel with two adults on board off Ballyquinton Point with fouled propeller. Vessel anchored pending arrival of lifeboat but anchor not holding and vessel drifting ashore in fresh to strong easterly winds.

Portaferry Lifeboat arrived on scene and found casualty vessel only 20 metres from rocks.

Towing line secured and vessel and occupants taken to safety ashore in Portaferry.

Punt adrift in Narrows with one person on board. Propellor on ouboard motor lost.

Portaferry Lifeboat took punt and occupant to safety in Strangford.

Yacht reported adrift with one person on board off Angus Rock.

On arrival of Portaferry Lifeboat no-one was found on board and the vessel was taken under tow by lifeboat to Portaferry.  Yacht had gone adrift from moorings near Strangford. 

Yacht returned to owner

18ft yacht with four persons on board aground on west end of the Limestone Rock.

Portaferry Lifeboat assisted in refloating yacht.  Vessel with occupants taken under tow to safety at East Down Yacht Club.

Yacht reported to be aground at the southern end of Green Island off Cloughey Co. Down.

On arrival of Portaferry Lifeboat the yacht was found to be at anchor and all POB were safe and well and at breakfast.

28ft yacht out of fuel off South Rock with two adults and one female child on board.

Yacht taken under tow by Portaferry Lifeboat to safety at Portavogie.

Report of catamaran on rocks off Kilclief Castle.

On arrival of Portaferry Lfeboat a small speed boat had casualty vessel under tow. Vessel had drifted ashore from mooring in strong winds.

Due to poor weather conditions lifeboat took over tow.  Casualty vessel then taken to shelter at Strangford harbour.

999 call to Coastguard reporting cries for assistance heard in Whiterock Bay area.

Portaferry Lifeboat, Gazelle SAR helicopter and a coastguard team from Whiterock deployed.

Lifeboat searched area around Whiterock Bay assisted by SAR helicopter using thermal imaging and high intensity search light.

Coastguard team searched shoreline.

After two hour search nothing found and 999 call considered to be a malicious hoax.

Two persons reported to be marooned on Guns Island.

Two persons taken by Portaferry Lifeboat from Guns Island to slipway at Ballyhornan.

Outboard engine of dinghy had failed preventing dinghy occupants from returning ashore from island.

Speedboat with 1 adult and 2 children with engine failure off Ardglass.

Portaferry Lifeboat arrived on scene as a local vessel was taking casualty under tow to Ardglass harbour.

40ft fishing vessel with fouled propeller off Guns Island.

On arrival of Portaferry Lifeboat another fishing vessel in the area took casualty under tow to Ardglass harbour.

Diver reported missing off Audleys Point after not returning as scheduled to diving tender.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched and joined by other local craft from Portaferry, Strangford and Killyleagh to assist in an extensive search of Strangford Lough.  Strong tidal currents and freshening winds in the search area.

Coastguard teams also alerted to search shoreline and air/sea rescue helicopter tasked from Aldergrove to assist in the search.

Missing diver located safe and well on Jackdaw Island (1.3 nm from reported missing position) by diving tender assisting in the search. Diver had swam to safety ashore after being carried towards the island by strong tidal currents.

1. Semi-submerged small boat observed off Cloughey Bay.

Portaferry Lifeboat recovered 8 ft fibre glass dinghy and handed over to HM Coastguard team at Cloughey.

2. 36ft yacht with 7 persons on board, aground on Long Sheelgh, Strangford Lough.

Portaferry Lifeboat gave assistance to refloat vessel.

3.  Four children cut off by tide on Rough Island, Strangford Lough.

Portaferry Lifeboat took children taken to safety ashore at Island Hill car park.

Belfast Coastguard contacted vessel but unable to confirm the nature of engine difficulty and up-to-date position of the fishing vessel due to persons on board unable to speak English.

Interpreter then used by HM Coastguard to establish the vessel's position and other relevant information.

Donaghadee Lifeboat launched to assist and Portaferry Lifeboat requested to stand by for transfer of Spanish speaking university student from Portaferry to the casualty fishing vessel.

Weather conditions considered too severe for the safe transfer of interpreter using Portaferry inshore lifeboat and a Sea-King helicopter tasked from Kinloss, Scotland, by HM Coastguard.

Donaghadee Lifeboat arrived on scene with the casualty vessel and relieved a merchant vessel standing by the casualty vessel.  Donaghadee Lifeboat then established a tow-line with the fishing vessel Ereka and proceeded northwards towards Belfast Lough.

Interpreter airlifted from Portaferry and transferred to the Ereka in the calmer waters of Donaghadee Sound whilst casualty still under tow by Donaghadee Lifeboat.

Donaghadee Lifeboat transferred tow to tug 'Carrickfergus' on arrival off Belfast Harbour fairway buoy and casualty then taken under tow to Belfast Harbour for repairs.

Yacht 'Lola' off St John's Point with three persons on board in distress due to failure of steering gear and in danger of drifting ashore in strong to gale force south-easterly winds.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched to assist.

Fishing vessel 'Juventa' in close proximity to the yacht responded to the distress call and gave immediate assistance by taking the vessel under tow pending arrival of the lifeboat.

Owing to heavy seas the towing line between the fishing vessel and the yacht separated on several occasions.

On the arrival of Portaferry Lifeboat the towing line was transferred from the fishing vessel and the yacht with its occupants was taken under tow to safety in Ardglass Harbour.

Yacht off Green Island, Strangford Lough, with two persons on board, in difficulty due to collapse of fore-stay and other rigging.

Portaferry Lifeboat took vessel under tow to safety at Quoile Yacht Club.

1. 23ft Yacht hard aground near Black Island at entrance to Strangford Lough with two persons and dog on board.

All persons (and dog) taken to safety at Portaferry.

Yacht successfully refloated on flood tide.

2. Two persons on the Skart Rock pladdie in danger due to their dinghy floating away and flood tide starting to cover pladdie.

Portaferry Lifeboat recovered dinghy and reunited same with owners who were then able to make their own way to Kircubbin harbour.

1. Yacht 'Mostaza', 49Ft ketch, 5 miles SE of Ardglass with engine failure and three persons on board.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched to assist

Yacht was bound for Ardglass but escorted under sail by lifeboat to the Strangford Bar and then taken under tow by lifeboat to safety in Portaferry.

2. 30 ft Yacht, 'Sundowner', on passage to Strangford Lough with engine failure off Bar Pladdy Buoy with one person on board.

Vessel taken under tow by Portaferry Lifeboat to safety in Portaferry.

1. Dinghy off Limestone Rock with defective outboard engine.

Engine eventually restarted by occupants and dinghy with occupants escorted by Portaferry Lifeboat to safety at Portaferry.

2. Small open boat reported to be in difficulty ashore on the North Rock off Cloughey and occupants seen on rocks.

On way to casualty Portaferry Lifeboat diverted to assist a RIB reported to be in navigational difficulties and gave directions for entering Strangford Lough.

On arrival off the North Rocks no vessel or persons sighted by lifeboat crew on the North Rock.

On checking with the occupants of small craft located in the immediate vicinity it was confirmed that they were those who had been reported to be in difficulty but they did not require assistance.

Distress radio beacon activated and search initiated by Belfast Coastguard of sea area between Killard Point and St John's point.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched to assist

Newcastle Lifeboat, the fisheries protection vessel 'Ken Vickers', the sail training vessel 'Lord Rank' and an air/sea rescue helicopter from Valley, North Wales were also involved in the search.

Newcastle Lifeboat, using radio direction finding equipment, located the activated distress beacon aboard a fishing vessel in Ardglass harbour.

Cries for help heard by resident of Marlfield, Strangford Lough. Dense fog in area with visibility less than 25 metres.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched to search the sea area and coastguard team proceeded to Marlfield.

Coastguards confirmed hearing cries for help coming from direction of Don O'Neill Island and lifeboat re-directed to the area.

Visibility initially zero but gradually improved and lifeboat crew located a small speedboat with one person on board. Speedboat had been on passage from Killyleagh to Portaferry and had damaged propeller after going aground in dense fog.

Vessel and occupant taken under tow to safety in Killyleagh and handed over to the care of coastguards from Whiterock.

Converted ship's lifeboat broken down off Audley's Point with two persons on board.

Portaferry Lifeboat took Vessel and occupants under tow to safety at Portaferry marina.

Yacht with one person on board experiencing heavy seas approx 3 nm north-west of Ardglass.

Portaferry Lifeboat escorted yacht to safety in Ardglass.

Yacht reported drifting in strong to gale force winds off Round Island, Strangford Lough.

On arrival of Portaferry Llifeboat the yacht was found aground off Gransha. No persons found on board.

Vessel had come adrift earlier in the evening from an anchorage at East Down Yacht Club.

20ft yacht with engine failure off the Bar Pladdy Buoy (Strangford Lough approaches) with two persons on board. Unable to make way in strong tidal currents.

The vessel St Brendan in the area stood-by the yacht until the arrival of Portaferry Lifeboat.

Yacht with occupants taken under tow by lifeboat to safety at Strangford harbour.

Crew of a yacht off Rainey Island, Strangford Lough, heard distress message broadcast on CH16 using the words 'we are sinking'.

Yacht relayed distress message to Belfast Coastguard who requested the immediate launch of Portaferry Lifeboat to search the area.

Royal Navy Sea King helicopter with thermo imaging equipment on board was tasked from Prestwick, Scotland to search the area.

Coastguards from Portaferry, Bangor and Whiterock alerted to search the shoreline of Strangford Lough.

After a 5 hour search covering Strangford Lough and its approaches nothing was found and no reports of persons or vessels missing were received.

Distress message considered to be a malicious hoax.

Crew of diving support tender reported engine failure off Ballyhenry Point, Strangford Lough. Three divers in the water and support vessel unable to recover.

Charter fishing vessel in vicinity stood by until the arrival of Portaferry Lifeboat.

Lifeboat crew recovered three divers from the water.

Divers and crew, including their support vessel, taken to safety at Portaferry

Skier reported missing in the Strangford Narrows.

Female skier located and recovered from the water by Portaferry Lifeboat

Emergency radio beacon activated and positioned by satellite in an area encompassing Belfast and Strangford loughs.

Coastguard radio direction finding equipment deployed to ascertain finite position of distress beacon.

Donaghadee Lifeboat launched to search Belfast Lough.

Coastguard DF team located source of signal in the area of Whiterock, Strangford Lough.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched to investigate.

Whilst on passage source of signal located by coastguard team at Whiterock and lifeboat returned to station. Distress beacon had been activated in error.

36 ft cabin cruiser with two adults and one baby on board with engine failure off Gunn's Island, approx. 3 nm North of Ardglass, Co. Down. Vessel able to anchor pending arrival of Portaferry Lifeboat.

On arrival of lifeboat, crew member put aboard casualty vessel and vessel taken under tow towards Portaferry.

Crewmember assisted in restarting vessels engines and vessel was able to make own way to safety in Portaferry marina escorted by the lifeboat.

28ft Yacht reported to be aground on Green Island, Strangford Lough, with two persons on board.

On arrival of Portaferry Lifeboat it was discovered that the yacht had been aground from the previous day and that both persons on board were revisiting the vessel to attempt a refloat when their outboard engine failed.

Two persons and their tender taken to safety ashore at Killyleagh

Sailing club rescue vessel reported by a club member to be in difficulties off Killyleagh.

Portaferry Lifeboat located vessel in the dark and found it to be under tow by another vessel to safety in Portaferry.

Newcastle Lifeboat launched to assist 70 ft trawler with engine failure adrift 25 miles off the County Down coast. Newcastle Lifeboat took trawler under tow towards Ardglass.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched and assisted Newcastle Lifeboat with securing a stern line on the casualty vessel on approaching Ardglass harbour to assist entering the harbour due to the sea state and prevailing weather conditions

Sighting of red distress flares reported towards the northern end of Strangford Lough.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched to investigate. Nothing found after extensive search.

Regarded as a malicious hoax

2001

Small motor boat with one person on board aground off Islandmore, Strangford Lough.

Portaferry lifeboat took one male occupant (and a dog) ashore and motorboat secured with anchors.

Boat refloated safely on following tide.

Lifeboat and crew put on standby following reports of seriously ill crew member aboard Spanish registered trawler approx 5 nm off the Strangford Bar.

A later corrected position from the trawler indicated that the vessel was several miles further north-east of its first given position and Donaghadee Lifeboat with a doctor on board was then launched to assist.

Portaferry Lifeboat stood down by HM Coastguard.

Two persons reported stranded on Island Hill, Strangford Lough.

Portaferry Lifeboat was completing an exercise in Irish Sea with Newcastle Lifeboat and redirected by HM Coastguard to Island Hill.

Two persons taken to safety ashore. Picture.

Windsurfer reported missing for over one hour off Newtownards Sailing Club.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched on search

Coastguards from Bangor and Whiterock tasked to search the shoreline and two air-sea rescue helicopters scrambled.

Coastguard search team observed person in water off Newtownards Sailing Club and Portaferry Lifeboat advised re location.

Lifeboat took missing windsurfer aboard and recovered sailboard. Winsurfer returned to safety ashore

Portaferry & Newcastle lifeboats alerted approx 22:50 and launched to assist..

RAF Nimrod and SAR helicopter from Kinloss both put on standby.

Fleet tender 'Salmoor' in the area and launched a fast rescue boat to stand by both vessels awaiting the arrival of both RNLI lifeboats.

Portaferry Inshore Lifeboat arrived on scene at approx 23:23 and requested the additional assistance of the Donaghadee Lifeboat. (Weather reported on scene - NE F5-6 with moderate swell)

Newcastle Lifeboat arrived on scene approx. 0005.

'Azure Sea' taken under tow to Ardglass by Newcastle Lifeboat. Portaferry Lifeboat stood by the 'Walpaul' awaiting the arrival of Donaghadee Lifeboat.  

Donaghadee Lifeboat arrived on scene approx 01:25.  Water pump transferred to 'Walpaul' and vessel taken under tow by Donaghadee Lifeboat to Ardglass.

Portaferry Lifeboat then proceeded to Ardglass for a crew change and to assist Newcastle Lifeboat entering Ardglass harbour with the 'Azure Sea' under tow.

Donaghadee Lifeboat arrived off Ardglass with the 'Walpaul' under tow at approx 02:30.

Both fishing vessels and crew taken to safety ashore and Donaghadee, Newcastle and Portaferry lifeboats returned to their stations.

Fishing vessel off St. John's Point with fouled propeller & 3 persons on board in danger of drifting ashore.

Portaferry Lifeboat took fishing boat it tow awaiting arrival of Newcastle Lifeboat.

Newcastle Lifeboat took over tow and vessel with three occupants taken to safety at Ardglass Harbour, Co.Down.

Yacht reported to Belfast Coastguard that windsurfer was in difficulties at Boretree Rocks, Strangford Lough.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched to assist.

On arrival, area searched and windsurfer was observed making way in shallow water on his sailboard towards safety on Chapel Island.

Lifeboat unable to assist further due to lack of water and an on-shore HM Coastguard team gave assistance. Lifeboat returned to Boretree Rocks and retrieved abandoned sailboard sail before returning to station.

Yacht on passage from Isle of Man to Strangford Lough with three persons on board struck rock in dense fog and aground at Salt Rock, Strangford Narrows.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched to assist and on arrival on scene reported visibility as approx.10 meters.

Whilst lifeboat was searching the area in dense sea fog the yacht was refloated and an accompanying yacht, also on passage from Isle of Man, gave assistance.

Both vessels were escorted by Portaferry Lifeboat to safety at Portaferry Marina .

No. 1 - Yacht reported to Belfast Coastguard an upturned sailing dinghy with two persons in the water and one person rescued by a fishing vessel east of Long Sheelah rocks, Strangford Lough.

Attempts to rescue the two persons in the water had been unsuccessful.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched and an Air/Sea Rescue helicopter from Aldergrove tasked to the scene.

Lifeboat rescued two persons from dinghy and took third person aboard from the fishing vessel for transfer to SAR helicopter as winds in area were freshening considerably.

Three adult males landed from SAR helicopter at Kircubbin Sailing Club. No medical assistance required.

Up-turned dinghy taken under tow by lifeboat to Kircubbin Bay and on arrival there were strong to gale force westerly winds in area.  Attempts at securing the sailing dinghy to the Kircubbin Sailing Club's mooring raft were unsuccessful and the dinghy was set adrift where it could drift ashore with minimum damage.

Sailing dinghy subsequently recovered from the beach at Kircubbin by the owners.

No. 2 - Whilst lifeboat was returning to station, HM Coastguard advised that a 23ft yacht was aground off Jackdaw Island with one elderly male occupant aboard.

Lifeboat assisted vessel in refloating and vessel then taken under tow to safety at Killyleagh.

26ft motor-sailor with one person on board lost in fog at Strangford Bar.

Vessel located inside Pladdy Lug by Portaferry Lifeboat and escorted to safety in Portaferry

Yacht with engine difficulties off Ardglass.

Portaferry Lifeboat escorted the vessel into Ardglass Marina.

Whilst preparing to return to Portaferry (at approx 00:10) lifeboat crew were advised by HM Coastguard of three persons overdue for several hours in 16ft boat having left for fishing trip at approx 15:00 previous day.

Portaferry Lifeboat proceeded in poor visibility to search an area off Killough and fired several parachute flares to illuminate area.

Newcastle lifeboat also launched to conduct a radar search.

Portaferry Lifeboat located missing craft with three persons on board anchored off the Walter Rocks. Craft was at anchor awaiting clearance of poor visibility in the area.

Vessel taken under tow by Portaferry Lifeboat to safety in Ardglass Marina.

Newcastle Lifeboat on passage to the search area returned to station.

Motor sailor aground on Kirkistown Spit, Cloughey Bay with one person on board who was reported to be in a distressed condition.

Portaferry Lifeboat arrived on scene and found casualty to be hard aground and listing. Estimated that vessel should refloat within 2 hours on the flood tide.

Stern line secured by lifeboat crew to assist in refloating vessel off the rocks.

Vessel refloated safely off rocks. Portaferry Lifeboat requested by Belfast Coastguard to stand by vessel awaiting the arrival of Donaghadee all weather lifeboat with a doctor on board.

On arrival of Donaghadee Lifeboat the doctor was put aboard the casualty vessel.

Vessel's steering gear possibly defective and propeller fouled/damaged. Casualty vssel taken under tow by Donaghadee Lifeboat to Portavogie, Co.Down, assisted by Portaferry Lifeboat.

Ambulance requested by doctor and one male person from the casualty vessel was transferred to hospital on arrival at Portavogie harbour.

Yacht off Dogtail Point in Strangford Narrows with failed engine and 5 persons on board.

Portaferry Lifeboat took vessel with the 5 occupants under tow to safety at Portaferry.

15ft boat with failed outboard engine off Guns Island with one person on board.

Portaferry Lifeboat took vessel with occupant under tow to safety at Portaferry.

Flashing red light observed coming from vessel near Strangford Fairway Buoy and reported by observer to HM Coastguard.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched to investigate and located a small vessel fishing in the vicinity.

No assistance required and lifeboat returned to station.

Yacht reported to be in difficulties off Paddy's Point, Strangford Lough.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched to investigate and HM coastguard team from Whiterock also alerted.

Lifeboat located yacht with no persons on board (adrift from moorings at Newtownards Sailing Club) and yacht taken under tow by lifeboat to Strangford Lough Yacht Club, Whiterock.

Yacht on passage to moorings off Newtownards Sailing Club after drifting ashore previous day.

Yacht's engine had failed and Portaferry Lifeboat was launched to assist. Gale force winds gusting to 45 knots in the area.

Engine of yacht was restarted and yacht proceeded towards its moorings. Club rescue boat subsequently launched from sailing club to assist in bringing yacht's crew ashore.

Lifeboat requested to continue proceeding to casualty position to monitor the safe transportation ashore of those involved.

All persons taken safely ashore by the club rescue craft and lifeboat then returned to station.

Report to HM Coastguard by member of the public advising that they had observed a large black RIB that was possibly in difficulty approx 1 nm east of Killard Point and drifting southwards.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched to investigate.

Lifeboat located a 6 metre RIB drifting off Killard Point with engine difficulties and one person on board.

RIB and occupant taken under tow to safety at Strangford village.

Yacht owner reported to Belfast Coastguard that his vessel was hard aground on the Long Rock, Strangford Lough.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched and on arrival the lifeboat crew assisted in towing the vessel off the pladdy. Yacht required no further assistance and then made own way to local moorings.

Car reported to be in the water off Killough Harbour.

On arrival of the Portaferry Lifeboat the crew carried out a search of the area.  No persons found and lifeboat returned to station.

Photo: RNLI - Jonathan Brownlee

Cargo vessel, MV Koralle, reported to be aground off Killard Point.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched and requested to stand by vessel to monitor pollution risks until vessel was refloated
 

Two jet skiers in water at Ballyhornan.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched and both jet skiers rescued.  Both suffering from hypothermia and landed to an awaiting ambulance at Strangford for transfer to hospital.

RIB with engine difficulties off Rainey Island.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched to assist but on arrival RIB already under tow by a local yacht.

Yacht aground Drummond Island. Three adults and one child on board.

Portaferry Lifeboat assisted in refloating yacht.

Yacht with four children and four adults on board off Kilclief Castle. In danger of sinking.

Portaferry Lifeboat located casualty and towed to safety.

Yacht reported aground between Templecowey Point and Down Rock.

Portaferry Lifeboat searched the area and checked all safe and well on board a yacht sighted in the vicinity.

Nil found after further search and lifeboat returned to station.

Catamaran with two elderly persons aboard on passage between North Wales and Isle of Man. Vessel reported to be holed and in danger of sinking. Position uncertain due to lack of marine radio communications.

Search carried out in a wide area by two Air/Sea rescue helicopters and Donaghadee, Peel and Port Erin Lifeboats.

Catamaran located off Ballyquinton Point, Co. Down by Air/Sea rescue helicopter from Valley, North Wales. Winchman and emergency water pump put on board.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched and catamaran escorted to safety in Portaferry after lifeboat crewman put on board.

Male teenage canoeist reported to have capsized in canoe in Ballyquinton Bay, and reported to be sheltering on a moored dory.

Portaferry Lifeboat taken from dory and transported to safety ashore

Reports of red distress flares seen off the Ard's Peninsula.

Portaferry Lifeboat searched an area south of the Skullmartin Lightship and Donaghadee Lifeboat to the North.

Nil found after a two hour search of area and both lifeboats returned to station.

(reports suggest sighting of flares linked to strong meteorite activity over area at time)

Reports of two divers not having surfaced at scheduled time.

Both recovered by own dive boat prior to arrival of Portaferry Lifeboat.

Yacht with one male person aboard off Strangford Bar and unsure of his position.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched to assist

Passing yacht in the casualty vicinity stood by the vessel pending arrival of the lifeboat.

Two lifeboat crew put aboard yacht to assist in lowering sails and securing a towline.

Yacht taken under tow against strong ebb tide to safety in Portaferry Marina.

Mirror dinghy capsized off Newtownards Sailing Club. Child reported missing by mother who had swam ashore.

Portaferry Lifeboat and air/sea rescue helicopter were on way to the area when the child was located safely ashore.

Portaferry Lifeboat proceeded to recover the mirror dinghy and rescue helicopter returned to station by H.M. Coastguard.

Yacht with one person on board reported taking in water off Killyleagh.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched and towed the yacht to safety at Quoile Yacht club.

Yacht anchored in Knockinelder Bay, believed in danger of going aground.

Portaferry Coastguard team unable to attract the attention of those on board after using searchlight, loud hailer and parachute flares.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched 00:10 13 July.

On arrival of lifeboat the occupants were awakened by the lifeboat crew and yacht escorted to a safe anchorage in the area.

Speedboat with 2 male occupants reported in difficulties in Narrows.

Portaferry Lifeboat escorted vessel and occupants to safety in Portaferry.

Upturned punt reported 0.5 miles south of the Butter Pladdy Buoy.  

Portaferry Lifeboat searched for any missing persons.

Nothing found and punt taken under tow to Knockinelder Bay.

Speedboat at Lee's Wreck with engine failure and three persons on board.

Portaferry Lifeboat located casualty vessel and took under tow with occupants to safety at Ballyhenry Bay.

Sailing dinghy off Killard unable to steer due to broken rudder. Three persons on board.

Boat and occupants taken under tow by Portaferry Lifeboat to safety at Mill Quarter.

Upturned dinghy reported in Blackboat Bay. Possibility of two persons missing after similar dinghy reportedly seen earlier in same area with two persons aboard.

Extensive search of area carried out. Nil found and lifeboat returned to station by HM Coastguard.

Person in North Down overheard distress message on cordless phone and reported to HM Coastguard.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched to search northern area of Strangford Lough. Nil found and lifeboat returned to station by HM Coastguard

Diving club rib off Strangford Bar reported engine failure.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched and Rib with occupants taken under tow to safety and landed Strangford village.

Sailing Club rescue boat with engine difficulties off Round Island, Strangford Lough.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched and on way to casualty HM Coastguard reported rescue boat had restarted engine.

Lifeboat returned to station

Siting reported to HM Coastguard of an object similar in appearance to an upturned canoe/dinghy in Cloughy Bay.

Portaferry Lifeboat launched and on arrival the lifeboat crew illuminated the area using parachute flares and searched Cloughy Bay.

Large floating pipe located and landed to Coastguard team on shore. Search discontinued and lifeboat returned to station.

RIB with four persons on board on passage from the Isle of Man to Portaferry reported being in difficulty off Strangford Bar after striking a rock.

Portaferry Lifeboat escorted RIB and occupants to safety at Portaferry.