At 11:15 hrs, what began as a planned crew training session in challenging Force 3–4 south-easterly conditions quickly turned into the real thing.
During the session, our crew spotted an upturned boat near the shore in Kinnego Bay, raising immediate concern as nobody appeared to be nearby.
In consultation with Belfast Coastguard, our volunteers were tasked to investigate.
Due to the difficult location, worsening weather, and blue-green algae at the shoreline, the crew quickly returned to the station to gather a rescue sleigh and other rescue equipment before rowing safely ashore.
After a thorough search of the area and shoreline, it was thankfully confirmed that there were no casualties. The vessel, a topper sailing boat, was then appropriately secured.
The crew then resumed training before returning to the station to prepare the lifeboat and equipment for the next tasking.
This incident is an important reminder: in stormy conditions, vessels can easily become unmoored.
We ask all local boaters and sailors to double-check that their craft are safely secured, not only to protect property but also to reduce unnecessary risks to our crews, who may need to respond to situations like this in hazardous conditions, including wading through harmful blue-green algae.