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Larne RNLI rescues four kayakers drifting out to sea off Browns Bay

Lifeboats News Release

Larne RNLI rescued four kayakers yesterday (Monday 24 June) after they got pushed out to sea by an offshore wind off Browns Bay and started to drift.

Larne RNLI's inshore lifeboat

RNLI/Larne

Larne RNLI's inshore lifeboat

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat at 2.12pm at the request of Belfast Coastguard.

The lifeboat helmed by Jack Healy and with crew members Chris Dorman and Jordan McIlhinney, launched immediately and made its way to the scene.

Weather conditions at the time were described as overcast, fair visibility and with a southerly offshore wind blowing.

Once on scene, the crew assessed the situation and found all were safe and well but that they had drifted quickly in the direction of a shipping lane due to the offshore wind.

All four were brought onboard the lifeboat and transferred safely to Portmuck and into the care of the Portmuck Coast Guard team.

The lifeboat crew then went back to retrieve the kayaks from the water so they wouldn’t present a hazard to other sea users. They were towed to Ballylumford Harbour and returned to their owners.

Speaking following the call out, Larne RNLI Helm Jack Healy said: The casualties were caught out by the offshore wind today but did the right thing in raising the alarm once they knew they were in difficulty, and we were delighted to help and bring them safely ashore.

‘As we approach the summer holidays this weekend, we would remind everyone planning a trip or activity at sea to enjoy them themselves but to go prepared. Check weather and tide times, always wear a lifejacket or suitable personal flotation device, let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back. Always carry a means of communication and should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’

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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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.

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