Portaferry RNLI crew save two sailors after yacht catches fire on Strangford Lough

Portaferry RNLI volunteer crew arrive back to the station. From left Molly Crowe, Scott Blackwood, Ros Watret and Chris Adair.
-Credit: (Image: Portaferry RNLI)


Two sailors have been rescued after their yacht caught fire off the coast of Co Down.

It happened after the 35ft vessel lost engine power just over one mile north of the Fairway Buoy at the entrance into Strangford Lough.

Portaferry RNLI volunteer crew were paged at 5.27pm on Saturday, 7th September at the request of Belfast Coastguard and asked to go to their aid.

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The inshore lifeboat Blue Peter V , helmed by Scott Blackwoodwith with crew members Chris Adair, Ros Watret, Molly Crowe onboard, launched promptly into a calm, force 2, light North-easterly breeze. An update on the situation at this time reported a burning smell onboard the vessel.

The lifeboat arrived on scene within 15 minutes and a member of the lifeboat crew transferred onto the yacht to carry out a quick assessment of the crew and yacht. Both members of the crew were on deck and observed to be fine.

At this time, a strong burning smell was noted, however the situation escalated when the crew observed flames in the cabin area. Both casualties were brought to the safety of the lifeboat before being returned to Portaferry and put ashore to the waiting Coastguard team.

The lifeboat returned to the scene at the request of the Coastguard to ensure the burning yacht was of no danger to any other vessels in the area, and returned to the Portaferry station at 8.30pm.

Speaking following the call out, Portaferry Helm Scott Blackwood, said: "When we arrived on scene and boarded the vessel, we acted quickly to get the casualties off the yacht. Once they had been returned to shore, our concern was the burning yacht being a danger to other vessels in the area and we stayed on scene until the risk was minimal.

"The yacht crew did the right thing in asking for assistance as soon as they had a problem with the engine. The situation escalated quickly and we were there to bring them to safety because they had a means of calling for help and made the call early."

Heather Kennedy, Portaferry RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager added: "The swift reactions of all our crew, both onboard and ashore led to a happier and safer outcome than might have been. We urge boat users to check the weather and tides before venturing out.

"Always wear a lifejacket or suitable personal flotation device for your activity and always carry a means of calling for help. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."

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