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.’
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.