Larne RNLI called to search for suspected missing paddleboarder
Larne RNLI launched both of their lifeboats yesterday (16 June) afternoon at the request of Belfast Coastguard after it was reported that a paddleboarder had not returned after setting off from Portmuck near Islandmagee.
Larne RNLI’s volunteer crew launched the all-weather lifeboat, Dr John McSparran and the D-Class inshore lifeboat,
Terry, at 2.35pm in calm seas.
The two lifeboats were requested to search the area between the southern end of the Gobbins cliff path in Islandmagee down towards Blackhead Lighthouse near Whitehead, with the all-weather lifeboat searching half a mile from the shore, while the smaller inshore lifeboat conducted a shoreline search.
After completing a search of the area and finding no casualties, Belfast Coastguard stood both lifeboats down around 4.15pm.
Frank Healy, Larne RNLI’s Coxswain said: ‘I would ask people to respect the water and plan ahead accordingly, if you are going onto the water for a period of time please let someone on the shore know your intentions or how long you are going to be out for.’
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