Father and son rescued from island on Strangford Lough

The crew launched on Saturday morning at the request of Coastguard

A father and son were rescued from an island on Strangford Lough after becoming stranded while paddleboarding.

The Portaferry RNLI volunteer crew launched at 10.50am on Saturday morning, July 25, at the request of Belfast Coastguard after they received information about the paddle-boarders being stranded on Salt Island.

The Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Blue Peter V launched, with conditions at the time a force three gentle north-westerly breeze, partially cloudy with good visibility, and a moderately choppy sea state.

Once on scene, the casualties were located quickly and although cold and stranded due to the force five fresh inshore breeze, both were observed to be well.

After paddling to the lifeboat, both were taken onboard and transferred to the care of the Coastguard waiting at Killyleagh Yacht Club pontoon.

Speaking after the call out, Portaferry RNLI volunteer helm, Chris Adair, said: “It took us 15 minutes to travel to Salt Island from Portaferry station, however there was a significant change in the strength of the wind in that short time.

“Staying together and calling for help in this situation is always the correct thing to do.

“Before heading out onto the water, always check the weather and tide times for your location, on both your outward and return journey.

“Make sure you are wearing a lifejacket or suitable personal flotation device for your activity, and always carry a means of calling for help. If this is a mobile phone, ensure you have equipment to keep the phone fully charged.

“If you are in difficulty on the water, or see someone else in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

Once recovered to Portaferry boathouse, the shore crew washed and refuelled the lifeboat in preparation for the next call out.

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