Larne RNLI assist two people in 17ft fishing boat suffering from engine trouble
Larne RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, Terry, was launched yesterday (Monday 7 June) at the request of Belfast Coastguard to assist two people in a 17ft fishing boat with suspected engine issues.
Launching the lifeboat into a strong sea breeze, the volunteer crew made their way towards the casualty vessel which had dropped their anchor at Browns Bay near Islandmagee as the people onboard were concerned that they could drift into a shipping channel.
Upon reaching the casualty vessel, a volunteer crew member was put onboard to ensure that the two people were safe and well and to establish a tow line so that the boat could be brought into the shelter of Ballylumford harbour.
As the lifeboat came closer to Ballylumford harbour, the tow line was changed to an alongside tow so that greater manoeuvrability was available to allow the casualty vessel to be secured in the harbour. Once secured, the casualties were handed into the care of the Portmuck Coastguard team.
Upon returning to station, Philip Ford-Hutchinson, Larne RNLI Deputy Launching Authority, said: ‘The sea conditions today were very deceptive, it was a lovely sunny day, but the wind had really picked up. Thankfully the casualties were well prepared and able to put down an anchor in time to stop them from being at the mercy of the wind and tide. Both of the people onboard were wearing lifejackets and knew to call the Coastguard on 999 (or 112) when they were in trouble.’
Ends
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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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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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