Larne RNLI rescue five teenagers near Black Arch

The lifeboat crew were requested to launch by Belfast coastguard at 8.40pm after reports that five teenagers were stranded on rocks at Blackarch. Larne RNLI immediately launched both lifeboats and was on scene within minutes. Conditions at the time were good with the wind northerly, force 3 to 4 and visibility was good.

On arriving at the scene the lifeboat crew quickly assessed the situation and one crewmember left the lifeboat and went onto the rocks to check that the five people were okay. After putting the group into lifejackets, the lifeboat crew carefully transferred them onboard the inshore lifeboat. They then made the short trip out to the bigger all-weather lifeboat where they were then transferred onboard and their condition checked out.

Members of the Larne coastguard were also on scene and provided valuable ground support during the operation.

Speaking following the callout Larne RNLI Helm Willie Evans said: ‘Thankfully there were no injuries in the group and apart from being a little cold everyone was okay. Some sections of our coast can become cut-off when the tide rises and it is good to be aware of this before you set off and plan ahead. Always call for help rather than trying to make it back to dry land.’

Larne RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Allan Dorman commented: ‘These callouts can be quite common for the RNLI at this time of year with the good weather and the long evenings. However they can go wrong as the water rises and people may get panicked. The group stayed calm and called for help and we had a good outcome this time. Both our lifeboats worked together to get the group to safety with our colleagues in the coastguard and I’d ask everyone enjoying out coastline to check the tide time and always bring a means of calling for help.’

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For more information please contact Fiona Kirkpatrick, Larne RNLI Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07738059405 or Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Ireland on 00353876483547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager Ireland on 00 353 87 1254 124 or [email protected]

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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 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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