Press Notice No: MCA/110
Sunday, August 05, 2012
Posted 14:58 GMT

Belfast Coastguard coordinated the rescue of the crew of a motorboat this afternoon after it was swamped by a large wave and sank near Barmouth, Castlerock. The vessel broadcast a mayday message at 12.45 this afternoon which was acknowledged by Malin Head Coast Guard who then passed coordination to Belfast Coastguard.

Castlerock RNLI Beach Lifeguard Unit were quickly on scene with a Rescue Water Craft. Coleraine Coastguard Rescue Team was also sent to the scene and the Portrush RNLI inshore lifeboat was requested to launch.
The two people, one male and one female, were rescued from their sinking boat by the lifeguards and taken back to shore onboard the Rescue Water Craft.

Gary Young, Belfast Coastguard Watch Manager says:

Both people are now safe and well. They were wearing their lifejackets at the time of the incident and made a mayday broadcast as soon as their vessel became swamped meaning that we could get rescuers to them quickly.


Posted By: Joanne Groenenberg

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Press Office
023 8032 9401