Belfast Harbour backs Lagan Search & Rescue in new 5-year partnership
Belfast Harbour has reaffirmed its commitment to marine safety by extending its support of Lagan Search & Rescue for a further 5-year period and by becoming patron for this essential service charity.
Belfast Harbour will contribute £100,000 over the next five years to support Lagan Search & Rescue’s vital work, in addition to providing operational facilities and berthing arrangements for its lifeboats.
Lagan Search & Rescue provides a dedicated search, rescue and recovery service tasked by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, to ensure the safety and well-being of members of the public who are users of the River Lagan and its immediate environment.
Working in partnership with statutory agencies and emergency services, this volunteer organisation delivers a 24/7 emergency response to the River Lagan, extending into Belfast Lough and conducts land and water safety patrols at key times.
Lagan Search & Rescue, with the assistance from Belfast Harbour and the Department for Transport’s Inshore / Inland Rescue Boat Grant Fund, recently acquired a new 8 metre lifeboat which has the capability and equipment needed to respond to any emergency on the water. The lifeboat is now fully operational.
David Dobbin, Chairman of Belfast Harbour and new Patron of Lagan Search & Rescue, said: “Belfast Harbour and the Belfast Harbour Police have worked closely with Lagan Search & Rescue for some time and we are delighted to extend our partnership with them and to support their vital work.
“The safety of everyone visiting, working and living in the Belfast Harbour waterfront area is paramount for us. As we work towards our goals of creating an iconic waterfront for the city and making Belfast very much a Port for everyone, we rely on the valuable work of essential services such as Lagan Search & Rescue that do so much to help keep people safe.”
Andrew Hirst from Lagan Search & Rescue said:
“This is a hugely significant partnership for Lagan Search & Rescue and one that will ensure our continued service to the community and the large number of people using and visiting the Belfast Harbour waterfront area.
“The facilities provided by Belfast Harbour will both improve our response times and help extend the lifetime of our equipment, for example the new dry mooring facility enables a swifter launch time whilst preserving the service life of the vessel. The new accommodation that is being provided will also help deliver a more efficient service.”
