26/08/2009

Bad Weather Threatens Sailors

As bad weather delays Irish sea travel, two men have been rescued from their yacht off Bangor.

As severe weather caused by the last remnants of Tropical Storm Bill reached across from the Caribbean, the RNLI Bangor Lifeboat launched at around 5.40am this morning (Wednesday) after a 27ft yacht experienced engine failure, two miles north of the Co Down harbour.

The sailors had been at sea for almost 18 hours in winds gusting up to force 7 and driving rain reducing visibility.

The RNLI said they were "exhausted" and a volunteer lifeboat crewman was put on board the disabled yacht and it was towed to the safety of Bangor Marina.

RNLI Bangor Lifeboat provides a 24-hour on call rescue service dedicated to saving lives at sea.

To date, RNLI Bangor Lifeboat has participated in 48 rescue operations this year including two as hundreds of small vessels launched to see off the Tall Ships Parade of Sail last weekend.

Today's weather across NI is quite severe as the edge of the fading storm crosses the Atlantic.

Rain will be heavy at times this morning and will give as much as 15 mm of rain over three hours in places, mainly on higher ground and especially over southern and western facing slopes, with some places receiving overall totals exceeding 30 mm.

The public are advised to take extra care and refer to the latest Environment Agency Floodline and 'Flood Warnings in Force', and to the Highways Agency for further advice on traffic disruption on motorways and trunk roads.

See: 'Bill' Hits North Of England

(BMcC/GK)

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