Larne RNLI assists fisherman on 16ft vessel with engine trouble
Larne RNLI launched both their all-weather and inshore lifeboats today (Saturday 20 November) to go to the aid of a fisherman on a 16ft boat suffering engine problems.
Launching around 1.50pm into rough seas, the lifeboats with volunteer crew made their way towards the vessel's last reported location just off the Gobbins cliff path at Islandmagee to assess the situation.
Upon reaching the casualty vessel, an inshore lifeboat crew member was put onboard so that a tow line could be established with the all-weather lifeboat, Dr John McSparron.
Once the line was established the casualty vessel was towed to the nearest safe port at Portmuck harbour, with the tow being passed to the inshore lifeboat, Terry, to bring the boat safely into the harbour where the casualty was handed into the care of Portmuck Coastguard team.
Speaking following the call out, Larne RNLI’s Coxswain Frank Healy, said: ‘We train regularly for this sort of scenario and everyone knew their role and we all worked together for a successful outcome and bring the fisherman to safety.’
Barry Kirkpatrick, Larne RNLI's inshore lifeboat helm, added: ‘Remember to contact the Coastguard on 999 or 112 if you get into difficulty at sea and always bring a method of communicating with someone the shore when you go to sea.’
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