Larne RNLI rescue six people onboard two broken down speedboats
Larne RNLI came to the aid of the crew of two broken down speedboats this afternoon (13 July).
The volunteer crew were requested to launch the All-Weather Lifeboat Dr John McSparran and the Inshore D class Lifeboat Terry at 5.30pm at the request of HM Coastguard, after a member of the crew onboard one of the speedboats raised the alarm.
The All-Weather Lifeboat with Coxswain Chris Dorman, Relief Mechanic Declan and crew members Barry Kirkpatrick, Catherine Lee, Dave Somerville, Scott Leitch and Gary Hanna onboard, and the Inshore Lifeboat helmed by Jack Healy, with Pamela Leitch and Shea McFerran on board, made their way to the casualties last reported location. Weather conditions at the time were described as good and sunny with a slight breeze.
The six casualties and their boats were located in Larne Lough, at Ballylumford Jetty. It was established that all crew members were well and that the reason for the breakdown was engine failure. After checking that all on board were safe and following an assessment of the scene by the Coxswain and the Helm it was established that the necessary and safest course of action to be taken was that a tow line be established and the boats taken to the safety of Ballylumford Harbour.
In a joint operation involving the All-Weather Lifeboat and the Inshore Lifeboat both speedboats were safely returned to Ballylumford Harbour.
Speaking following the call out, Larne RNLI Coxswain, Chris Dorman said, “The casualties had the means to contact the Coastguard and did the right thing when they realised that they had broken down.”
'At this time of year, people are starting to think about getting their boats back in the water for summer and now is a good time to prepare and plan ahead. We would encourage everyone to check their vessels and ensure engines are well maintained. When going out, always carry adequate tools and spares and ensure you have enough fuel for your journey. If you do get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’
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For more information, please contact Jason Bain, Larne Lifeboat Press Officer on 07891467545 or email Jason_Bain@rnli.org.uk or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 087 1254 124 or Niamh_Stephenson@rnli.org.uk or Treasa Ni Bhraonain, RNLI Communications Placement on 0874764436 or Treasa_NiBhraonain@rnli.org.uk
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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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