Larne RNLI called to assist with a potential emergency aeroplane landing

In their first call out of the year, the volunteer crew launched Larne RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat Dr John McSparran into calm seas after being requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard at approximately 9pm.

Bangor and Donaghadee lifeboats were also requested to launch, and along with Larne RNLI, they were making way to a designated rendezvous point when the message was relayed that the plane had landed safely at Belfast City Airport.

Speaking following the call out, Larne RNLI Coxswain, Frank Healy, said: ‘We are glad there was a positive outcome and that the aircraft landed safely, although we do prepare for scenarios such as this with our regular training exercises.

‘Our volunteer crew train every week to ensure that when the pagers sound they are ready to deal with any scenario. I was also pleased to see such a strong turnout from our volunteer crew last night who drop everything to respond to the call for help so quickly.

‘Three of our newer recruits experienced the launch of our all-weather lifeboat on service last night and worked well alongside our experienced crew to ensure the boat was launched quickly and safely.’

Ends

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Steven Lee, Larne RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07753274490 or [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 00353 876483547 or [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 00353 871254124 or [email protected]

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For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 10 lifeboat stations in Northern Ireland and has 11 lifeguarded beaches which it operates seasonally. 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, the charity has saved over 142,200 lives.

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.