Red Bay RNLI rescues five people after 33ft yacht gets into difficulty
Red Bay RNLI has come to the aid of five people onboard a 33ft yacht which got into difficulty this afternoon (Friday 30 August).
The volunteer crew were requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat by Belfast coastguard at 1.20pm following a report that the 33ft yacht was in trouble five miles south east of Rathlin Island.
The vessel with five onboard was on passage to Carrickfergus when it struggled to make headway in difficult sea conditions due to strong winds and tides.
Two of the crew onboard the yacht were suffering from seasickness. The lifeboat crew set up a tow and brought the vessel to Ballycastle.
Speaking following the call out, Paddy McLaughlin, Red Bay RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘Conditions at sea were challenging this afternoon and the crew made the right decision to call for help. We would remind everyone planning a trip to sea to respect the water. Always wear a lifejacket, always carry a means of communication and let someone on the shore know where you are going and what time you are due back. Should you get into difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.’
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RNLI media contacts
For information please contact Paddy McLaughlin Red Bay RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Tel: 078 02 308821 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]
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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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