Portrush RNLI launched to reports of fishing vessel in difficulty.

Portrush RNLI All weather lifeboat was requested to launch by the Coastguard yesterday evening (Sunday) at 7.06 pm to reports of a 14-metre fishing vessel fishing vessel that had suffered engine failure just off Ballycastle Harbour.

The volunteer crew launched at 7.26 pm, sea state was slightly choppy, with partially cloudy skies and a light southerly wind. Portrush RNLI arrived on scene at 8.10pm. The fishing vessel was already under tow by another vessel and had transferred the crew into their boat. A risk assessment was carried out, and it was agreed that that the best option was that Portrush RNLI would take over the tow.

Volunteer crew were transferred onto the stricken vessel to establish the tow lines, and the vessel was taken into the nearest Harbour which was Ballycastle where it was handed over to the Coastguard.

Karl O’Neill Coxswain said

‘Weather conditions were ideal for this kind of tow. Once on scene and the risk assessment was carried out it was clear that the best option for both boats was the tow back to Ballycastle Harbour’

The ALB and her volunteer crew departed the scene at 9.15pm arrived back in Portrush at 10.30pm.

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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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