Larne RNLI responds to false alarm with good intent

The initial alarm was raised by a concerned member of the public who reported seeing a person signalling to shore from a fishing vessel approximately one and a half nautical miles off Glenarm.

Larne RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat launched at 10.45am and quickly made its way to Glenarm. The lifeboat crew made radio contact with a fishing vessel in the area who confirmed they did not require any assistance. The surrounding area was searched to ensure there were no other vessels nearby. The lifeboat was returned to Larne after it was established as a false alarm with good intent.

The weather conditions were good with light south-westerly winds.

Speaking following the call out, Larne RNLI Coxswain Frank Healy said: ‘We thank this vigilant member of the public who called the Coastguard out of genuine concern. We would urge anyone who is concerned that someone is in distress along our coast to always ring 999 and ask for the Coastguard. We would always rather launch to a false alarm with good intent than not launch at all.’

Meanwhile, Larne RNLI will host its annual icebreaker swim at 12 Noon on New Year’s Eve, Saturday 31 December at Ballygally Beach.

Larne RNLI is asking people to 'Get freezin' for a reason' this New Year’s Eve. All money raised will go to the RNLI to help save lives at sea. Anyone interested in taking part can obtain a sponsor form from 07516496945, contact the station’s Facebook page (facebook.com/larne.lifeboat) or collect on the day.

Hot refreshments will be available at the Ballygally community centre following the swim.

If you require further information please do not hesitate to contact Larne RNLI prior to the event.

Ends

Photo credit

Trevor Hartnett

RNLI media contacts

For information please contact Fiona Kirkpatrick Larne RNLI Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer Tel: 077 3805 9405 email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager on 00 353 87 1254 124 email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Tel: 00 353 87 6483547 email [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.