TWO Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeboats and volunteer crews were involved in a rescue operation in the Irish Sea today. (January 21). The all-weather lifeboat at Donaghadee was launched at 6.00am after a distress call from a trawler which lost mechanical power east of Ballyhalbert.
The lifeboat and its crew of six were quickly on scene and established a secure tow line in slight sea conditions and good visibility. However the all-weather lifeboat at Newcastle was later called to assist with the task of safely bringing the large trawler into harbour at its home port of Ardglass.
Donaghadee’s lifeboat operations manager Alan Couser said,” the vessel was without power and in danger of becoming a hazard but otherwise this was a routine operation for our volunteers.
“Newcastle lifeboat assisted us by helping to brake and control the vessel under tow as it entered harbour and the Saxon and her crew were back on station by 11.15am.
“We are glad to have been of service to our fishing community.”