A Co Down lifeboat was back in the water today for the first time since a bitter internal dispute threatened to close it down.
A crew from Newcastle station went to rescue a disabled fishing vessel taking in slight water in the Irish Sea.
Services were withdrawn last month after staff quit over a dispute with the coxswain. But after 12 newly trained crew members were brought in, the lifeboat, which has been operating in Newcastle since 1835, was brought back.
Today's emergency was the first time it has been tasked since the row put its future in serious jeopardy.
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A Coastguard spokesman said the lifeboat is towing the vessel to Ardglass.
PA