Larne RNLI launch following false alarm with good intent
Larne RNLI launched their inshore lifeboat Terry this afternoon (Monday 10 July) following reports of a person in the water near the mouth of Larne Harbour.
Following a request from Belfast Coastguard the inshore lifeboat launched at 2pm under Helm Pamela Leitch. The alarm was raised by a female on Larne Promenade who thought she saw a person fall into the water from a jet ski. The volunteer lifeboat crew commenced a search from the harbour area making its way north past the promenade to the Black Arch but nothing was found. Ferris’ Bay, Browns Bay and Portmuck Harbour were also searched with the same outcome. The weather conditions at the time were calm with good visibility for searching.
Larne Coastguard was in attendance making contact with the member of the public who had raised the alarm on the promenade. An RNLI landrover with two crew onboard also made its way to Carnfunnock and Ballygally slipway to check for a vehicle and trailer, but no evidence of a jet ski launch was found.
Belfast Coastguard stood the lifeboat crew down at 2.40pm following an extensive search.
Speaking following the call out, Larne RNLI Helm Pamela Leitch said: ‘This was a false alarm with good intent. We would always rather launch and not be needed, than not be called and learn that someone was really in danger. I urge anyone who is concerned that someone may be in distress at sea to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
Ends
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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.
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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.