Larne RNLI launched their All-weather lifeboat Dr John McSparron and Inshore lifeboat Terry on Sunday (29 January). Both lifeboats took part in the exercise to simulate recovery of a casualty to a helicopter in an emergency situation.
Larne RNLI launched their All-weather lifeboat Dr John McSparron and Inshore lifeboat Terry on Sunday (29 January). Both lifeboats took part in the exercise to simulate recovery of a casualty to a helicopter in an emergency situation.
The joint exercise with Prestwick Coastguard Helicopter took place one mile north of Larne. The lifeboats practiced manoeuvres at speed with Rescue 999. A high-line was passed to the All-weather lifeboat where the winchman then landed. Several RNLI crew members were then winched into the helicopter and back onto the deck of the lifeboat.
The RNLI regularly carries out exercises with other rescue agencies. It is this training that ensures the crew are able to work effectively with other agencies in an emergency situation, including medical evacuation of a casualty to a helicopter.
Larne RNLI 2nd Coxswain Norman Surplus said: 'We had a very valuable training session with both our lifeboats working under the helicopter in turn. During the joint RNLI/ Coastguard exercise all our volunteer crew members reinforced their overall skills knowledge and their hands-on experience of specialised Helicopter operations.’
‘Close and effective collaboration during such RNLI/Coastguard joint training allows the combined emergency services to be much better prepared to handle real search and rescue situations as and when they arise.’
Larne RNLI wishes to extend their thanks to Prestwick Coastguard for the opportunity to carry out the joint exercise.
Ends
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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
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.
