Both Portrush RNLI lifeboats launched to separate incidents.

Portrush RNLI All weather Lifeboat and Inshore Lifeboats were launched today (Saturday )to separate incidents within 20 minutes of each other.

Both Portrush Lifeboats were requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard to two separate incidents today. The Inshore Lifeboat was requested to launch at 6.25pm to a jetski that had capsized at the West Strand. The ILB volunteer crew recovered the jetski and brought back to the beach. In the meatime the All weather Lifeboat was requested to launch at 6.45 pm to reports of three persons being cut off by the tide at Dunseverick. One crew member was transferred from the ILB to the ALB to assist with the rescue and the ALB launched at 7.03pm.

Conditions for both launches were perfect, clear skies, excellent visibility, all be it with a slight swell. The ALB arrived on scene at Dunseverick at 7.30pm. The situation was assessed by the crew and it was decided to deploy the Y Boat from the ALB to get close to the shore to rescue the persons cut off by the tide. The crew was then able to get to the casualties and return them to Dunseverick Harbour. The casualties sustained some minor injuries, but otherwise were ok.

Charles Grossie Launch Authority said:

‘Our volunteer crew assured the casualties that they had done the right thing by dialling 999 and alerting the Coastguard, so we could ensure their safety. This is the type of of incident our crew train for, and are just glad that they were able to get the group to safety. Its always advisable to check the tides and the weather conditions as well as always carrying a means of calling for help if required’.

The ALB left the scene at returned to station at 8.30pm and returned to station at 9.20pm

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Judy Nelson, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Ireland, [email protected]

Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Ireland, 087 648 3547, [email protected]

Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Ireland, 087 125 4124, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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