Lone sailor assisted to safety by Portaferry RNLI after Pan-Pan call
- Robert Stone
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Saturday 1 August 2026
Portaferry RNLI volunteers came to the aid of a lone sailor on Saturday morning (1 August) after an international distress signal was received from a 6m yacht off the coast of Portavogie in the Irish Sea.
The volunteer crew were requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard at 11.53am after the sailor issued a Pan-Pan call from his vessel.
Portaferry RNLI's Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Blue Peter V launched with helm Scott Blackwood and crew members Chris Adair, Rosslyn Watret and Becca Nightingale on board.
Weather conditions at the time were a Force 3 gentle northerly breeze with good visibility, partial cloud and a slight sea state.
The casualty vessel was located approximately four miles east of the Ards Peninsula coast, east of the South Rock Buoy. Once alongside, a member of the lifeboat crew was transferred to the yacht to assess the sailor and the condition of the vessel.
As there was no safe means for the sailor to continue his passage, and given the vessel's offshore location, the decision was taken to tow the yacht to the safety of nearby Portavogie Harbour.
Speaking following the call-out, Portaferry RNLI helm Scott Blackwood said: "This sailor was alone on his vessel and sent out a Pan-Pan message as soon as he became aware of a problem. We commend him for doing this quickly.
"When a Pan-Pan message is broadcast over marine VHF radio, it alerts the emergency services and other vessels in the area that an urgent situation exists and assistance may be required.
"We would urge anyone heading out onto the water to check the weather forecast and tide times before leaving shore, always wear a lifejacket or suitable personal flotation device for your activity, and carry a reliable means of calling for help.
"We would also like to thank everyone who was in our boathouse enjoying our station open day when the pagers sounded. Your cooperation and willingness to move outside greatly assisted our crew in responding quickly.
"Finally, we would like to thank everyone who supported our station open day today. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future."
