Newcastle RNLI Rescues Two People and Dog Drifting Out to Sea on Inflatable
- Pat Nolan
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Tuesday 14 July 2026
Newcastle RNLI, supported by RNLI lifeguards patrolling Tyrella Beach, rescued two people and a dog on Sunday afternoon (12 July) after they became stranded on an inflatable that drifted out to sea off the County Down coast.
The volunteer lifeboat crew was tasked by Belfast Coastguard at approximately 4:00pm following reports of an inflatable drifting offshore near Minerstown Beach.
Newcastle RNLI launched its relief Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Enid Foster MBE, under the command of Helm Locky Leneghan, with crew members Declan Barry, Trez Dennison and Ciaran Leneghan onboard.
Sea conditions were reported as calm with only a slight swell. Guided by RNLI lifeguards on patrol at nearby Tyrella Beach, who maintained visual contact with the casualties, the lifeboat arrived on scene around 15 minutes after launching.
The crew located the two casualties and their dog approximately half a mile offshore. After confirming everyone was safe and uninjured, the lifeboat crew transferred them aboard before returning them safely to the beach, where they were handed into the care of Newcastle Coastguard.
Following the rescue, Helm Locky Leneghan highlighted the dangers of using inflatables at the coast.
"As we enjoy a continued long spell of summer sunshine, we would encourage everyone to enjoy themselves but to please do so safely. Inflatables can be a lot of fun, but they are designed for the pool and not the beach as they can easily be swept out to sea and get people into difficulty."
"We would encourage anyone planning a trip to the beach this summer to choose a lifeguarded one. If planning an activity in the water, go prepared. Wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity. Always carry a means of communication such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard."
