Newcastle RNLI rescues three people blown offshore after training exercise
- Pat Nolan
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
Monday 20 July 2026
Newcastle RNLI came to the aid of three people who were blown offshore on Saturday afternoon, shortly after volunteers had completed a routine training exercise.
The volunteer crew had been returning to Newcastle after visiting and supporting Kilkeel RNLI's station open day when, at 4.31pm, Belfast Coastguard requested that they assess reports of two people who had been blown out to sea on a paddleboard, along with another member of the public in an inflatable who had gone to assist them.
As the station's Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was approaching the slipway for recovery when the request came in, the crew were able to immediately identify the casualties approximately 400 yards offshore from Downs Road Car Park.
The lifeboat, helmed by Locky Leneghan with crew members Brendan Rooney and Danni Curley onboard, made its way to the scene.
Within minutes, the crew located all three casualties together. After confirming everyone was safe and well, they brought the three people aboard the lifeboat and returned them safely to shore, where they were transferred into the care of Newcastle Coastguard.
The rescue came just two days after the station responded to reports of an overturned kayak.
At 5.26pm on Thursday evening (15 July), Belfast Coastguard requested the launch of Newcastle RNLI's Atlantic 85 lifeboat following reports of an overturned kayak approximately one mile off Bloody Bridge car park, around two miles south of Newcastle.
The lifeboat, helmed by Shane Rice with crew members Declan Barry, Brendan Rooney and Ciaran Leneghan onboard, launched immediately and was on scene within five minutes. The crew carried out a search of the area alongside Newcastle Coastguard, who maintained a vantage point from the cliff top.
Nothing untoward was found other than a swimming noodle, and the incident was subsequently classified as a false alarm with good intent before the search was stood down.
Speaking following the call outs, Newcastle RNLI Helm Locky Leneghan said:
"Offshore wind can easily blow you out to sea so we would encourage anyone planning a trip or activity to go prepared. Always check weather and tides in advance, and always let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back. Always have a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity and always have a means of communication on you should you need help, such as a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof pouch. While inflatables are good fun, we would remind everyone that they are designed for the pool and not the beach."
"While the first call out on Thursday proved to be a false alarm with good intent, we would like to commend the member of the public who raised the alarm. That is always the right thing to do if you think you see someone in difficulty in the water."
