Portrush RNLI launched to reports of persons in difficulty in a dinghy at Benone

Portrush All weather Lifeboat was requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard this evening (Monday) to several reports of persons in difficulty in a dinghy three quarters of a mile off Benone Beach.

The launch request was received at 8.19 pm and launched 8.23 pm into near perfect weather conditions although the sea was slight choppy. The crew arrived on scene at 8.49 pm. As the ALB arrived on scene a local vessel had already picked up the 2 casualties as they had responded to a pan pan call for assistance. They waited for the ALB and her volunteer to arrive on scene.

The casualties were then transferred to the ALB at 8.55 pm where they were assessed by crew member Dr Peter Hughes. The casualties were assessed to be medically fit and were then transferred to the Y boat and taken back to the beach into the care of the Coastguard.

Judy Nelson Volunteer Press Officer said:

‘We are grateful to the local man who was scene to help the two casualties until the Lifeboat arrived. Luckily, we had a GP on crew who was able to quickly assess the casualties and allow us to transfer them back to the beach. The winds and tides are always unpredictable, so if you do see someone who you might think is in difficulty, please remember to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Better safe than sorry’

The ALB and her volunteer crew are now back on station.

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.