Portrush RNLI launched to angling boat in difficulty

Portrush All-weather lifeboat was requested to launch by the Coastguard today (Sunday 28 June) at 3.40 pm to reports of a 24 ft angling boat in difficulty at the entrance to the Foyle estuary.

Weather conditions at the time were near galeforce with winds gusting from the west which made the rescue challenging. On arriving at the scene the volunteer lifeboat crew established a tow line with the fishing vessel at 4.27pm approx. and proceeded at a slow speed back to Portrush Harbour.

The All-Weather lifeboat returned to the harbour with the vessel in tow at 5.30pm. In extremely challenging weather conditions the lifeboat temporarily went aground while assisting the casualty vessel to reach the pontoon.

As a safety precaution the All-Weather Lifeboat has now been placed off service to allow a full inspection take place in the morning. Portrush RNLI’s inshore lifeboat remains on service.

The volunteer lifeboat crew wish to acknowledge the help given by local fisherman Richard Connor and the local Coastguard Team in assisting the lifeboat to get onto the pontoon. Both the lifeboat crew and the crew of the fishing vessel were unharmed. However, we understand that a member of the coastguard sustained a hand injury in helping on scene and we wish to send him our best wishes for a full recovery.

ENDS

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.