Three launches in three days for Larne RNLI

On Tuesday 22 August at 1.45pm Larne All-weather lifeboat and inshore lifeboat were launched following a request from Belfast Coastguard. A small motor boat had been reported overdue having launched the previous day and no contact made since. Following further information from Belfast Coastguard, Larne inshore lifeboat made way to a motor boat north-west of Number 1 buoy. On making contact it was confirmed the crew on board were those reported missing however all were well with no engine difficulties and able to make their way back to shore.

Larne RNLI Helm, Barry Kirkpatrick advises, 'It's essential to have a clear plan when going to sea including checking the weather and tides before you leave and telling someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back. If vessels do not return at the expected time we would urge members of the public to contact the Coastguard by phoning 999 as soon as possible.'

The pagers sounded on Wednesday 23 August at 6.15pm. The inshore lifeboat was launched following reports of a 15ft motor boat with engine difficulties near Ballygally Head. Larne Inshore lifeboat crew were quickly on scene but no motor boat was visible in the Ballygally area. A search commenced and the vessel with two men onboard was located 3 miles North East of Ballygally head. A tow was established and the boat taken to the safety of Tweeds Port, Carnfunnock.

Larne RNLI Deputy Launching Authority, Philip Ford-Hutchinson, commented, 'The casualty was located some distance off shore, unable to make their own way to safety. We were pleased to see them wearing lifejackets and they made the correct decision in calling for help. We would encourage everyone going to sea to ensure your craft is in good condition, always wear a lifejacket and have a means of calling for help. It's also important to let someone know where you are going and when you intend to return.'

On Thursday 24^th August both lifeboats were on exercise in Larne Lough with Mid and East Antrim Mayor Cllr. Paul Reid and his wife Carol onboard when Belfast Coastguards tasked the all weather lifeboat on service. A member of the public reported an overturned vessel with four people on board in Drains Bay. The lifeboat visitors were returned to shore and the all-weather lifeboat made its way to Drains Bay. On scene the upturned vessels was found to be sea cadets performing capsize drills. This was a false alarm with good intent.

Speaking following the call out, Larne RNLI Coxswain Frank Healy said ‘This incident proved to be a false alarm with good intent and we would like to thank the concerned member of the public who alerted the Coastguard. If you suspect someone is in trouble at sea always ring 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'

'This has been a busy week for our volunteer crew who drop everything to answer the call when their pagers sound. Our crews are highly trained and skilled, and excellent team work ensured that all three launches were completed safely and successfully.'

Larne RNLI are currently looking for new volunteer crew members. If you have good general fitness, can work well in a team and have the ability to learn new skills, this role could be for you. For further information and online application details please see Larne Lifeboat Facebook page: facebook.com/larne,lifeboat.

Ends

RNLI media contacts

For information please contact Fiona Kirkpatrick Larne RNLI Volunteer 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]

RNLI online

For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.org/press

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 235 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. 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 140,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

A charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SCO37736). Charity number 2000 3326 in the Republic of Ireland

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.