Portaferry RNLI volunteer crew respond to mayday call

Friday 26 September 2025

Portaferry RNLI volunteer crew pagers sounded at 11.23am yesterday morning (Thursday 25th September) after a 44ft yacht with two persons onboard lost engine power and ran aground hitting rocks close to Ardglass harbour.

Portaferry RNLI volunteer crew make their way towards Ardglass. Photo Credit: RNLI/Lissa McCully

The inshore lifeboat, Blue Peter V launched quickly with helm Scott Blackwood and crew members Chris Jenkins, Molly Crowe and Paul Mageean onboard.

Conditions at the time of launching were a gentle force 3 southerly breeze, good viability with a moderate to choppy sea state.

As the crew made their way towards the casualty vessel they were made aware by the Coastguard that a fishing vessel had been able to establish a tow. On reaching both vessels, the crew of Blue Peter V remained close by as the yacht was returned to Ardglass harbour.

Once secured, a member of the lifeboat crew was transferred to the casualty vessel. Both crew onboard were observed to be well and an assessment showed the yacht not to be taking on water.

Speaking afterwards, Portaferry RNLI volunteer helm, Scott Blackwood said: 'A mayday call is the most serious distress call used at sea and indicates a sailor in imminent danger. The crew of the casualty vessel did the correct thing by calling for help as soon as they got into difficulty.

'We commend the crew of the fishing vessel for responding quickly and getting the yacht and her crew to safety. We were happy to stay close and observe the rescue on this occasion.

'Newcastle's all-weather lifeboat, Leonard Kent, also launched but was stood down before reaching the casualty vessel.

'We would remind anyone going afloat to wear a suitable floatation device for your activity and always carry a means of calling for help.

'If you are in trouble or see someone else in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'

The lifeboat crew departed the scene at 12.10pm and returned to Portaferry boathouse where an all female shore crew recovered the lifeboat to the station, washed and refuelled her, and made ready for the next call out.