
Larne RNLI rescue 2 people in the water in Portmuck
Larne RNLI were requested to launch both of their lifeboats by Belfast Coastguard to reports of two people in the water 200 metres from Portmuck in Islandmagee.
Larne RNLI were requested to launch both of their lifeboats by Belfast Coastguard to reports of two people in the water 200 metres from Portmuck in Islandmagee.
Launching both lifeboats at 3.25pm into rough seas with a stiff breeze, the lifeboats made their way to the casualties reported location at Portmuck.
Upon arrival the all-weather lifeboat, Dr John McSaprran, located the first casualty floating near to the rocks at Portmuck harbour. The lifeboat moved alongside and one volunteer crew member entered the water in a dry suit to help the casualty who was beginning to show the effects of being in the cold water for a prolonged period.
Using the hoist on the lifeboat, the casualty was brought onboard where the volunteer crew immediately started casualty care and administered oxygen.
At the same time the smaller in shore lifeboat, Terry, had located the second casualty along with the small punt the casualties had been using. The punt had been taking on water and was mostly submerged. The volunteer crew threw a rope to the casualty and brought him into the lifeboat. The casualty was then transferred into the large all-weather lifeboat where casualty care was administered.
Both lifeboats made their way to the Larne Harbour where it was requested that the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service would meet the volunteer crew upon their arrival. Paramedics assessed both casualties and they were then transferred into the care of the Ambulance Service.
Allan Dorman, Larne Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: ‘This was a challenging call for all of our volunteer crew members, but it is why we train regularly so that we are as prepared as we can be in scenarios like this.’
‘When you are planning to go to sea, ensure that you have a means of contacting the shore should you ever get into difficulties. It is vital to make sure that you are well prepared as the conditions can change very quickly and can catch out the most experienced sailors.’
ENDS
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For more information please telephone StevenLee, Larne RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on07753274490 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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Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 10 lifeboat stations in Northern Ireland and has 11 lifeguarded beaches which it operates seasonally. 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, the charity has saved over 142,200 lives.
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.
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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.