Police in Belfast have launched an appeal for witnesses after the sudden death of a woman in her 30s who was travelling on a sailing boat on Belfast Lough on Saturday 11 July. The incident was reported to police shortly before 16:00, and the vessel was subsequently located about 2.5 miles off Kilroot power station, between buoys one and two in the Victoria Channel.
What happened and where
Officers say the boat had left Groomsport at around 12:00 and was heading towards Carrickfergus. Following searches in the area the vessel was found in the Victoria Channel; police do not at this stage suggest any wider threat to the public. Two men, both aged in their 30s, were arrested on 11 July on suspicion of maritime offences and have been released on bail while enquiries continue.
Police appeal to the public
The PSNI is asking anyone who was in the Carrickfergus or surrounding coastal areas on the afternoon of 11 July and who may have seen anything to contact officers. The force highlighted that many people were enjoying fine weather that day and that there were likely to have been numerous boats and spectators on the water.
“We know that a lot of people were out and about enjoying the good weather in the Carrickfergus and surrounding areas on Saturday, 11th July, with many also out on the water,” the PSNI said.
- Incident reported: just before 16:00, 11 July
- Boat departure: believed to have left Groomsport at about 12:00
- Vessel located: ~2.5 miles off Kilroot, between buoys 1 and 2 in the Victoria Channel
- Arrests: two men (both in their 30s) arrested and released on bail
How to help the investigation
Anyone with information that could assist is asked to use the PSNI witness appeal form at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals, quoting reference 1098 of 11/07/26. Alternatively the force can be contacted on 101, or information provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | 11 July 2026 |
| Time boat left Groomsport | About 12:00 |
| Time incident reported | Just before 16:00 |
| Location found | 2.5 miles off Kilroot power station (Victoria Channel) |
| Arrests | Two men (both in their 30s), released on bail |
The circumstances surrounding the woman's death remain subject to police investigation. Local residents, recreational boaters and anyone who was onshore or on the water in the Carrickfergus area during the midday to mid‑afternoon period on 11 July are being urged to check dashcam, helmet-cam or mobile footage and to come forward if they believe they have relevant information.
