Larne RNLI assists two people onboard 21ft motor boat with engine difficulties

The inshore lifeboat launched at 3.22pm and quickly made its way to the scene at Skernaghan Point, north east of Brown’s Bay.

On arrival, the volunteer lifeboat crew secured a line to the motorboat and assessed the two people onboard to ensure they were safe and well. Both casualties were in good spirit and both had lifejackets on.

Weather conditions were good with a light wind and good visibility. There was a slight swell running into Skernaghan Point and although the men onboard had deployed an anchor it was not holding. The motorboat was drifting towards the rocks so the lifeboat crew quickly established a towline. The lifeboat brought the motorboat into the safety of Ballylumford harbour where they were met by Portmuck Coastguard team.

Speaking following the call out, Larne RNLI Helm Chris Dorman said: ‘All the crew training was put into action today to ensure that our first call out of 2018 was carried out safely and efficiently. While you can be equipped for most situations there is always that one event to crop up and thankfully these responsible men called the lifeboat immediately, saving both them and their boat from running aground. An excellent team effort ensured that the tow line was set up speedily and the two men onboard were brought to the safety of shore without delay.’

Ends

Note to Editor

The coast is an exciting place to be – but it’s easier than you think to get into trouble in the water. Stay safe this season with some RNLI essential safety advice. How to stay safe:

• Always wear an appropriate lifejacket or buoyancy aid.

• Always have a means of calling and signalling for help.

• Ensure there is an emergency action plan in place and everybody has an appropriate onboard briefing

• Undertake the appropriate level of training for your craft.

• Always check the weather and tide times.

• Make sure someone ashore knows where you are going and who to call if you don't return on time.

• Always drive your boat at a speed that is appropriate to the weather conditions and to the environment you are operating within.

If you are in trouble or see anyone in difficulty around our coastline call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

For more information visit https://rnli.org/safety and choose your activity for safety tips.

RNLI Media Contacts

For more information please contact Fiona Kirkpatrick, Larne RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at [email protected] or telephone Nuala McAloon RNLI Regional Media Officer Ireland on 00353876483547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Regional Media Manager Ireland on 00353871254124 or [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.