Double launch requests for Portrush RNLI.

Portrush Inshore Lifeboat was requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard this evening to reports of paddleboarders in difficulty between Curran Point (East Strand) and the Skerries.

The launch request was received at 8.11pm and launched in perfect conditions at 8.25pm.

The volunteer crew Ben Wilson and Karl O’Neill located the paddleboarders very quickly and assisted them back to shore where they handed them over to the Coastguard.

Meanwhile at 8.03 pm the All-weather Lifeboat was also requested to launch to a person in distress at Castlerock. The ALB and her volunteer crew launched at 8.18pm and were on scene at 8.30pm. However once on scene it was established that the person had made it to shore herself where the coastguard and ambulance service were waiting to assess her condition. The ALB and her crew were stood down and arrived back on station at 8.44pm.

Charlie Grossie Launch Authority at Portrush RNLI said:

‘This is the start of the summer season, and we would ask that if you see someone in difficulty in the water, please dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

We would also advise that if you are intending to go out on the water at all make sure you have a means of dialling 999 if you get into difficulty.

Key facts about the RNLI

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.

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.