Restaurant owner Nigel Scott and a friend were rescued by coastguards after a three-hour ordeal when their jet ski broke down
The owner of a Co Tyrone restaurant has invited coastguard rescue crews for a slap-up meal after he and his friend were rescued when they got into difficulties on a jet ski on Lough Neagh.
Nigel Scott, owner of Viscounts Restaurant in Dungannon, had taken his friend Mike, from Belfast, for a run on the jet ski up and down the River Blackwater when the engine became entangled in weeds and brought it to a sudden stop as they headed towards Coney Island on Monday afternoon.
It was the beginning of a three-hour ordeal for the pair.
Praising the efforts of the coastguards based at Oxford Island, Richard Scott said his son had made the trip to Coney Island many times before.
“It soon became clear weeds had become entangled in the propellor shaft,” he posted on Dungannon Area Community Group Facebook page.
“Then the boat started drifting towards rocks. Fortunately the water was quite calm at the time or the consequences could have been more serious.
“So if ever the time was right for mobile phones it was now! Just like the famous TV series - 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' Nigel had a great idea and phoned another jet ski friend for help, but on his way the man also had similar problems and his engine failed, but he managed somehow to get back to his base.”
As a last resort Nigel called 999 and to their great relief not long after the Coast Guard crews appeared on the horizon.
“’We were delighted to see these guys coming to our rescue and after a while they managed to tow us to shore,’ said a relieved Nigel.”
He had the warmest words of praise for the crews, who he said acted in such an extremely professional and friendly manner at all times, during the entire incident.
Richard added in the post: “And the 'dramatic rescue' tale gets even better as when everyone landed back on safe ground, Nigel immediately invited all the rescue crews to a fancy complimentary meal in Viscounts.
“Apparently the faces of the superb coastguards lit up like the rising sun following the very kind invitation.”
He added: “The wonders of mobile phones where would the guys have been without them for a rescue operation like this one?”