Larne RNLI responds to false alarm with good intent
Larne RNLI’s relief all-weather boat Duke of Windsor launched this morning (Friday 1 June) to investigate a call from a member of the public about a suspected boat with no one onboard.
The lifeboat launched from Larne Harbour this morning (Friday 1 June) at 10.42am, responding to a request from Belfast Coastguard.
Launching into a calm sea, but with reduced visibility due to a sea mist, the volunteer crew were informed that a member of the public had contacted the Coastguard after viewing a small red and black boat with what appeared to be nobody onboard.
The Coastguard requested that the lifeboat search in the Whitehead area to see if there was any sign of the boat or anybody onboard. Bangor RNLI was also requested to aid in the search.
As the lifeboat was making its way towards the Whitehead coastline further information was relayed from the Coastguard to say that the fisherman and owner of the boat was onboard and safe and well, so the search was called off.
Norman Surplus, Larne RNLI Second Coxswain, said: ‘We would like to thank the member of the public who raised the alarm when they were concerned. It is important to keep vigilant around the coastline and to know to ring 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if you see anything untoward.
‘We would encourage anyone going to sea to always respect the water. Plan accordingly and ensure that your vessel and engine are in good working order before setting off. Always let someone know where you are going and when you are expected back.’
Ends
For information please contact Steven Lee, Larne RNLI Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer Tel: 00447753274490 or 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]
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.