First shout for Larne RNLI volunteer as fishing crew rescued off Antrim coast

Larne RNLI volunteers rescuing a fishing boat on the Antrim coast.

Three people aboard a broken-down fishing boat were brought safely ashore after Larne RNLI launched a rescue operation off the County Antrim coast.

The callout on Thursday evening, 9 July, marked the first operational shout for volunteer crew member Andy Purves, who recently joined Larne RNLI.

The fishing vessel was found around half a mile north of Portmuck, close to the cliffs, after suffering a mechanical failure.

Lifeboat diverted from training exercise

RNLI Larne’s Machiko Nancy towing the fishing boat back to safety on the Antrim coast.

Larne’s all-weather lifeboat, Machiko Nancy, was already at sea while trainee coxswain Barry Kirkpatrick completed a coxswain pass-out assessment.

At around 9pm, the crew received a tasking request from Belfast Coastguard and headed towards the vessel’s last reported location.

Barry Kirkpatrick was joined by mechanic Ross Stewart, navigator Jack Healy and crew members Chris Dorman and Shea McFerran.

Weather conditions were described as good, with a gentle breeze and smooth seas.

After locating the fishing boat, the coxswain assessed the situation and confirmed that all three people aboard were safe and wearing the correct safety equipment.

With the vessel unable to continue because of the mechanical failure, a tow line was established and the boat was taken towards the safety of the Port of Larne.

Inshore crew completes final tow

Larne’s inshore D class lifeboat, Terry, was also launched to assist with the final stage of the operation.

The lifeboat was helmed by Samantha Agnew, with Andy Purves and Jordan McIlhinney aboard.

The tow was transferred safely between the all-weather and inshore lifeboats before the fishing boat was returned to Larne Boat Club.

RNLI Larne volunteer crew member Andy Purves

Reflecting on his first shout, Andy said:

“The good weather and calm conditions meant the handover of the tow between Larne all-weather lifeboat and Larne inshore lifeboat could be completed safely and without urgency.

“This was a great first experience and a reminder of the professionalism of everyone involved.”

RNLI praises crew for raising alarm

Barry Kirkpatrick said the fishing crew had taken the correct action after realising their vessel had broken down.

“We would like to wish the crew well,” he said.

“The casualties were wearing the correct safety equipment and had the means to contact the Coastguard. They did the right thing when they realised that they had broken down.”

He encouraged anyone planning a journey at sea to check their vessel in advance and ensure its engine is properly maintained.

Those heading out should also carry adequate tools and spare parts and make sure they have enough fuel for the journey.

Anyone who gets into difficulty at sea, or sees someone else in trouble, should call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

The successful operation brought the three people and their vessel safely back to Larne while also giving the station’s newest volunteer his first experience of a live rescue.