Larne RNLI launch following false alarm with good intent
Larne RNLI launched their inshore lifeboat Terry this afternoon (Thursday 20 July) following reports of an 8 foot punt with engine difficulties in Drains Bay.
Following a request from Belfast Coastguard the inshore lifeboat launched at 5.30pm. The alarm was raised by a member of the public who believed the small vessel with two people on board was having engine difficulties. The volunteer lifeboat crew were quickly on scene and found the vessel making way near Larne Promenade. The crew checked that the two people on board were not in distress and had a means of calling for help if need be.
The weather conditions at the time were force 4-5 southerly wind with good visibility.
Speaking following the call out, Larne RNLI Deputy Launching Authority Philip Ford-Hutchinson 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. We would encourage anyone taking to the water to always wear a life jacket, ensure your vessel and equipment are in good working order, check the weather and tide and always carry a means of calling for help. If you see someone in trouble on the coast always dial 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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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.