Newcastle, Northern Ireland – Two separate sailors in distress were rescued late on Friday night and into the early hours of Saturday after lifeboat crews responded to emergency calls in difficult weather and darkness.

Just before midnight on 5 June, Newcastle lifeboat volunteers were alerted after a lone sailor reported their yacht had run aground near the western side of St John’s Point Lighthouse in Dundrum Bay and was taking on water.

Because of the conditions and location, Kilkeel’s all-weather lifeboat was also launched to assist.

Newcastle RNLI launched its Atlantic 85 lifeboat shortly after midnight, heading towards the yacht’s last known position as crews searched through strong south to southeasterly winds and rough seas with 1–1.5 metre swells.

During the search, coastguards received a second emergency call from another sailor in the area who was disorientated and unable to continue sailing, although still in a relatively safe position.

The first casualty was later located drifting in shallow water close to rocks near Minerstown beach, with their vessel at risk of being pushed ashore.

After assessing the situation, crews decided the safest option was to evacuate the sailor onto the lifeboat. The casualty was brought aboard, given care, and found to be cold and exhausted before being transferred to ambulance services and taken to hospital for observation.

At the same time, Kilkeel RNLI’s Shannon class lifeboat located the second sailor a short distance offshore. The individual was also exhausted and disorientated, while their yacht was in danger due to worsening conditions and strong winds.

A crew member was placed onto the vessel and a tow was established to bring both yacht and sailor safely back to Kilkeel Harbour, despite challenging seas and night-time conditions. The operation was completed by around 5am.

Both coastguard and lifeboat teams supported the response at shore locations during and after the rescues.

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