Portpatrick Lifeboat

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We’re delighted to share some fantastic news from Portpatrick RNLI — our volunteer crew member Andrew Blackwood has succ...
11/08/2026

We’re delighted to share some fantastic news from Portpatrick RNLI — our volunteer crew member Andrew Blackwood has successfully passed his Volunteer Mechanic Afloat assessment! 👏

This is a brilliant achievement and a really important qualification for our crew.

Our Afloat Mechanics play a vital role on the lifeboat, responsible for the engines, machinery and electrical systems, as well as carrying out running repairs and helping to keep the boat safe and seaworthy while at sea.

For our all-weather lifeboat, having a qualified mechanic on board is essential before we can launch on a rescue. So having another qualified mechanic within the crew is a big deal and strengthens our ability to respond when the call comes.

Andrew can now cover shouts and training exercises as our Afloat Mechanic, bringing another valuable skill set to the team.

Like all our volunteer crew, Andrew has put in a huge amount of time, training and commitment to reach this point — all alongside his everyday life.

We’re incredibly proud of you, Andrew, and hugely grateful for the time and commitment you give to Portpatrick RNLI and our lifesaving service.

Well done, Andrew — from spanners to sea, you’ve earned your place on the tools!

11/08/2026

Launch Request - Sunday evening

Portpatrick RNLI’s Shannon class lifeboat 13-25 was requested to launch at 8:18pm to assist a 24-foot yacht reported aground at Port Logan.

The lifeboat proceeded to the area and stood off while HM Coastguard assessed the situation. Following their assessment, it was confirmed that the yacht remained firmly aground and could not be safely towed at that time.

With no further assistance required from the lifeboat, the crew returned to Portpatrick Harbour, arriving back at approximately midnight.

The lifeboat was then prepared and made ready for service.

Launch Request - FridayAt 10:10am, our volunteer crew were paged to launch RNLI Shannon Class 13-25 to assist a 35ft mot...
07/08/2026

Launch Request - Friday

At 10:10am, our volunteer crew were paged to launch RNLI Shannon Class 13-25 to assist a 35ft motor cruiser suffering machinery failure approximately 300 metres from shore.

With light south-westerly winds, there was a real possibility that the vessel could drift ashore if left unattended, making a prompt response essential.

The lifeboat arrived on scene at 10:50am. Following an assessment of the situation, it was decided that the safest course of action was to establish a tow and bring the casualty vessel back to the safety of the harbour.

A tow was successfully established, and the vessel was brought safely alongside at Portpatrick Harbour at 12:17pm.

The lifeboat was then returned to its moorings, refuelled and made ready for service by 12:35pm, ready to respond to the next call.

Coxswain Pete Sanderson said :
“Once again, the crew performed with absolute professionalism, carrying out a tasking that we train for routinely. As a visiting Coxswain, I’m proud to have had a busy week with all positive outcomes, and I’m very grateful to have worked alongside the crew here. Their dedication to the station and their commitment to volunteering within the community is vital, and it has been a privilege to work with them.”

A huge well done to all involved for another safe and successful service, ensuring both the vessel and those on board returned safely to harbour.

Launch Request - MondayPortpatrick RNLI’s Shannon class lifeboat 13-25 was requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard at ...
04/08/2026

Launch Request - Monday

Portpatrick RNLI’s Shannon class lifeboat 13-25 was requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard at 8:30pm to assist a yacht which had suffered engine failure approximately three nautical miles south of the Mull of Galloway.

Within 8 minutes the lifeboat was making best speed to the casualty vessel, arriving on scene at 10:05pm. With communications proving unreliable, the crew used the Shannon class lifeboat’s direction-finding equipment to help locate the yacht, requesting the skipper to carry out a slow count to ten over VHF Channel 16. The casualty vessel’s position was then confirmed by asking the skipper to switch the navigation lights off and on.

Following a full towing assessment, the decision was made to tow the yacht to Portpatrick Harbour. The crew prepared the deck, established a tow, and began the three-hour passage back to Portpatrick.

As the vessels approached the harbour, weather conditions deteriorated, creating challenging conditions for the crew while preparing to bring the yacht safely alongside. Thanks to careful boat handling and excellent teamwork, the yacht was successfully berthed at 2:00am.

Thank you to Coastguard Rescue Team members and shore crew who were waiting on arrival and assisted in safely securing the casualty vessel.

The Shannon class lifeboat was re-berthed, refuelled and made ready for service by 2:40am.

Coxswain Pete Sanderson said:

“This was one of those launches that reminds you why training, teamwork and professionalism are so important. Despite the communication difficulties and the weather deteriorating as we approached the harbour, the crew remained calm and focused throughout. I’d like to thank every member of the crew, along with the Coastguard and our shore crew, for their absolute professionalism, which made the entire operation safe and successful. It’s a service I’ll remember for a long time.”

03/08/2026

Launch Request - Sunday

On Sunday evening, Portpatrick RNLI’s Shannon class lifeboat 13-25 was requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard at 10:05pm following concerns for the welfare of a lone sailor aboard a vessel believed to be on passage to Bangor.

The lifeboat launched and carried out a shoreline search in the designated area. Despite an extensive search, there was no sign of the casualty vessel, and the crew was subsequently stood down. The lifeboat returned to station and was made ready for service at 1:35am.

We are pleased to report that it was later confirmed that the sailor had arrived safely in Bangor. The incident proved to be a welfare call made with genuine concern for the occupant.

Coxswain Pete Sanderson said:

“Although the conditions were ideal, with calm seas and excellent visibility, every search is treated with the utmost seriousness. During the operation, herring were breaking the surface around the lifeboat, bats could be seen flying through the searchlight beam, and one of the crew even spotted a meteor. Despite the calm conditions, our focus remained on conducting a thorough search and ensuring that, if someone was in difficulty, we were ready to respond. I’d like to thank the crew for their professionalism and commitment throughout the call.”

We would also like to thank the person who raised the concern. If you believe someone may be in difficulty at sea, always call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. It’s always better to report concerns so they can be investigated.

Another RNLI Tier 1 qualified this morning, well done Amanda ! Jonathan Pearson - Lifeboat Trainer Assessor: “Amanda h...
30/07/2026

Another RNLI Tier 1 qualified this morning, well done Amanda !

Jonathan Pearson - Lifeboat Trainer Assessor: “Amanda has taken a big step towards becoming a fully qualified All Weather Lifeboat crew member and deserves this reward for 9 months of intensive training on station and at sea. It is a huge commitment in time and effort for anyone to make.”

Simon Bage, Coxswain : “A huge congratulations to Amanda from everyone at Portpatrick Lifeboat Station on passing your Tier 1 assessment today.

This is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the commitment, dedication and hard work you’ve consistently put into your training. Throughout your journey you’ve demonstrated the RNLI values in everything you do—being trustworthy, courageous, selfless and dependable—and today’s result is thoroughly deserved.

Passing Tier 1 is an important milestone, and everyone is proud to see your efforts recognised. We look forward to seeing you continue to develop as a valued member of the crew.

Congratulations once again, and well done from all the crew!”

A fantastic achievement 3 of our volunteer crew completing the RNLI Tier 1 assessment this week.

The assessment covers a wide range of essential lifeboat skills, including rope work, mooring and berthing, anchoring, towing, casualty recovery from the sea, VHF radio communications, and many more practical tasks that are vital to safe and effective lifeboat operations.

Big thank you to Simon for the great photos capturing the day.




Fantastic news today- for 2 of our volunteer crew who passed their Tier 1 with sailing colours (see what we did there)Jo...
28/07/2026

Fantastic news today- for 2 of our volunteer crew who passed their Tier 1 with sailing colours (see what we did there)

Jonathan our Trainer Assessor:

“Kirstyn and David have made a huge commitment to training and made rapid progress to Tier 1 crew. Their previous experience on the lifeboat and coastguard has been very useful, and they have already proved a valuable addition to our crew on several recent shouts”

Simon our Coxswain:

“A huge congratulations to our crew members, Kirstyn and David, on passing your Tier 1 assessments!

This is a brilliant achievement and reflects the commitment, determination and hard work you’ve both put into your training. Passing Tier 1 isn’t just about meeting the standard—it’s about proving you’re ready to take on the challenges of being RNLI crew while maintaining the high standards we pride ourselves on.

Now that you’ve passed, you’ll soon discover the reward for doing well… more training! But for today, enjoy the moment—you’ve earned it.

From everyone at Portpatrick RNLI, we’re incredibly proud of you both. Congratulations, and here’s to the next chapter of your RNLI journey!”




Launch Request - SaturdayPortpatrick RNLI’s Shannon class lifeboat 13-25 was paged by Belfast Coastguard at 12:50pm foll...
26/07/2026

Launch Request - Saturday

Portpatrick RNLI’s Shannon class lifeboat 13-25 was paged by Belfast Coastguard at 12:50pm following reports of a vehicle at the bottom of the cliffs near the Mull of Galloway.

The lifeboat launched and proceeded to the scene, where the team managed to locate the vehicle. Due to the nature of the shoreline and the prevailing conditions, the Shannon class lifeboat was unable to safely get close enough to investigate further. Stranraer RNLI Lifeboat was requested to assist and made best speed to the scene.

Despite the challenging conditions, the Stranraer crew successfully reached the vehicle and carried out a thorough inspection. Much to everyone’s relief, it was confirmed that there was nobody inside the vehicle.

With no threat to life identified, both lifeboats were stood down and returned to their respective stations.

We would like to thank the member of the public who reported the incident. If you ever see someone or something that causes concern along our coastline, please don’t hesitate to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. It is always better to report it and allow the appropriate emergency services to investigate.

This incident also demonstrated the excellent teamwork between HM Coastguard, Police Scotland, Portpatrick RNLI, and Stranraer RNLI, ensuring a swift and coordinated response.

Coxswain Simon Bage said:
“I’d like to thank all the supporting agencies who assisted with the incident. It was a great example of how well everyone works together when responding to reports where there could be a risk to life.

Special thanks go to the crew of Stranraer RNLI, who battled challenging conditions to reach the vehicle and confirm that nobody was inside.

I’m incredibly proud of the crew here at Portpatrick. Faced with what could have been a very serious incident, they rose to the challenge and showed resilience, compassion and professionalism throughout. It’s a privilege to be part of such a dedicated team.”

Launch Request - FridayAt 10:45am, our volunteer crew were paged to launch RNLI Shannon Class 13-25 following a report f...
24/07/2026

Launch Request - Friday

At 10:45am, our volunteer crew were paged to launch RNLI Shannon Class 13-25 following a report from a concerned member of the public of a small motor boat believed to be in distress.

While en route, HM Coastguard advised that they had established contact with the vessel and that our assistance was no longer required. As we were nearby, we came alongside the boat to carry out a quick welfare check and were pleased to confirm that everyone on board was safe and well.

We returned to the station at 11:30am, where the lifeboat was refuelled and made ready for service.

Thankfully, this incident had a positive outcome and our assistance was not ultimately required. However, if you ever believe someone is in difficulty at sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. We’d always rather respond to a false alarm than risk someone not receiving the help they need.

A great outcome today, and thank you to the member of the public who did the right thing by raising the alarm.




Launch Request - Saturday Portpatrick RNLI’s Shannon class lifeboat 13-25 was requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard ...
19/07/2026

Launch Request - Saturday

Portpatrick RNLI’s Shannon class lifeboat 13-25 was requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard at 3:51pm following reports of a paddleboarder in difficulty in Maryport Bay, Luce Bay, after being caught in strong offshore winds.

The crew launched at 4:07pm and made best speed towards the reported location. While en route, PIRSAC (Port William Independent Lifeboat) reached the casualty and safely recovered the paddleboarder.

With the casualty safe and no further assistance required, Portpatrick RNLI was stood down at 4:47pm and returned to station at 5:42pm, where the crew prepared the lifeboat for service once again.

We are pleased to report that the casualty was returned safely to the beach by the Port William Independent Lifeboat and was safe and well.

Port William Inshore Rescue Service

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Portpatrick
DG98TF

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