The volunteer crew of Donaghadee RNLI lifeboat put to sea today ( Thursday 02 May ) at the request of Belfast Coastguard to assist a 14 metre catamaran with three people onboard approximately 8 miles North East of Donaghadee.
Crew pagers were alerted at 1404 and the RNLI Trent Class Lifeboat Saxon was requested to launch to assist the 14 metre vessel which was reporting one defective engine and intermittent power from the their second engine.
The visibility was very good with a light northerly wind, enabling the lifeboat to make good speed and be alongside the casualty vessel within 20 minutes of launching.
On scene the crew of Saxon found that the casualty vessel had prepared a bridle for tow and the boat was then towed to the safety of Bangor Harbour.
Philip McNamara, Donaghadee Coxswain said ‘ The crew of this boat requested assistance in good time and were well prepared for us when we arrived on scene, we would always advise asking for help at the earliest possible opportunity to prevent any risk to life at sea. ‘
