Bangor RNLI complete multi-agency training exercise

Tuesday 9 September 2025

On Monday evening (8 September) there was a flurry of activity on Belfast Lough when volunteer crews from Bangor, Donaghadee and Portaferrry RNLI came together with members of Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, Ballyholme Yacht Club and Lagan Search and Rescue for a planned training exercise.

Photo Credit: RNLI/Russell McGovern

The exercises were planned and coordinated by Bangor RNLI volunteer helm Russell McGovern and included casualty care, transfer of casualties, completion of man overboard search patterns and implementing alongside towing techniques.

These vital training sessions provide all the local agencies an opportunity to work alongside each other practicing rescue techniques, communication and navigation skills along with relationship building with fellow volunteers.

Speaking following the exercise, Bangor RNLI crew member Kat Lindsay said: ‘This was a really interesting evening to be involved in. It was great to be able to practice key skills with other agencies and build a rapport with them. Hopefully we can organise multi-agency training on a more frequent basis so we can learn with and from each other.'