DONAGHADEE’s All Weather Lifeboat Saxon was launched on Sunday evening, July 10, in response to a man overboard alert in Ballyhalbert. It is understood a pleasure sailor fell from his boat and was unable to get back aboard. At around 6.00pm and the Coastguard asked the RNLI volunteers to make their way to the scene in the event of an emergency situation developing. However the casualty was assisted by another vessel and was able to make his way ashore uninjured. The Saxon was stood down and returned to station within the hour.
Coxswain Philip McNamara said, “We are always happy to launch if there is a chance we can prevent an emergency or save a life at sea. Everyone enjoying the coast this summer should respect the water and wear lifejackets when around deep water.”