Multi-Agency Search After Jet Ski Found Adrift Off Strangford Lough
- Pat Nolan
- 2 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Friday 17 July 2026
A multi-agency search and rescue operation was launched in the Irish Sea on Thursday evening after a personal watercraft was discovered adrift several miles east of the entrance to Strangford Lough.
Portaferry RNLI's inshore lifeboat Blue Peter V was tasked at 8:43pm on Thursday, 16 July, after Belfast Coastguard received reports from the crew of a passing RHIB that an apparently abandoned jet ski had been found drifting at sea.
The lifeboat launched promptly with volunteer helm Rusty McGovern and crew members Chris Adair, Paul Mageean, and Chris Hannon on board.
Conditions during the operation were favourable, with a light northerly Force 2 wind, calm seas, clear skies, and excellent visibility.
On arrival, the RNLI crew found the jet ski overturned with no sign of its rider. After righting the watercraft, they began an extensive search of the surrounding area for any potential casualty.
The search operation was quickly reinforced by Peel RNLI's all-weather lifeboat, Frank and Brenda Winter, along with two Coastguard aircraft, creating a coordinated multi-agency response.
After an extensive search, the owner of the personal watercraft was located safe and well ashore. With no casualties requiring assistance, Belfast Coastguard stood down the rescue operation at 10:45pm.
Following the incident, Portaferry RNLI volunteer helm Rusty McGovern praised the actions of the passing RHIB crew.
"We commend the crew of the passing RHIB for raising the alarm – this is always the right thing to do."
"When we arrived on scene, the jet ski was upturned and after righting it, we began a search of the area. This search continued until the owner was located ashore."
"This multi-agency call-out had a good outcome and was great experience for volunteer lifeboat crew member Chris Hannon, who was on his first call-out since qualifying as inshore lifeboat crew."
McGovern also reiterated the RNLI's Float to Live advice for anyone who finds themselves unexpectedly in the water.
"Tilt your head back with your ears submerged, relax and breathe normally, and gently move your hands and legs to help stay afloat. Spread your arms and legs to improve stability."
"If you see someone in difficulty in the water, do not enter the water yourself. Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Encourage the casualty to Float to Live and, if possible, throw them something that floats."
Portaferry RNLI also thanked members of the public who shared information across social media during the incident. The information provided proved valuable in helping identify the owner of the watercraft, ultimately allowing the search to be safely concluded.