Donaghadee RNLI was called out today Sunday 11th August to go to the aid of a aluminum barge which had broken down with a adult, four children and two dogs on board off Donaghadee Sound. The barge had suffered gear box failure of Foreland Point shortly after 15.15pm.The barge was close in shore when the lifeboat arrived on the scene and the decision was made to launch the XP boat with two crew members on board. They were quickly able to fix a tow rope to the casualty and successfully tow it and the occupants safely into Donaghadee Harbour.
The Lifeboat was again in action shortly after 5pm when it was requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard to go to a 16ft Dory suffering with engine failure off Millilse.The lifeboat was able to secure a tow across to the occupant on board the vessel and tow it safely back to Donaghadee Harbour.
Coxswain Phillip McNamara praised the efforts of the crew for the efficient way they had dealt with the callouts especially after a very long day at Saturdays lifeboat festival