Larne RNLI rescues four divers after engine failure near West Maiden Lighthouse

Photos: Jason Bain / RNLI Larne

Larne RNLI launched its all-weather lifeboat on Saturday afternoon (9 November) to assist four divers stranded after their rib suffered engine failure off the County Antrim coast.

The volunteer crew launched the Dr John McSparran lifeboat at 1.47pm at the request of HM Coastguard, after one of the divers onboard the rib raised the alarm.

Coxswain Barry Kirkpatrick, Mechanic Scott Leitch, and crew members Jordan McIlhinney, Catherine Lee, Ross Stewart, and Shea McFerran made their way to the divers’ last reported position.

Weather conditions were described as good and sunny, with only a slight breeze, when the lifeboat reached the scene approximately eight nautical miles northeast of Larne, in shallow seas close to West Maiden Lighthouse.

Once on location, Coxswain Kirkpatrick assessed the situation and confirmed that all four divers were safe. It was established that the breakdown had been caused by engine failure, leaving the divers stranded.

Two of the divers had been forced to swim for around a mile to return to the rib.

After confirming the safety of everyone onboard, the Coxswain determined that the safest course of action was to establish a tow line and bring the vessel to safety at the Blue Circle Boat Club. Three of the casualties were transferred to the lifeboat, where two received casualty care.

The Dr John McSparran lifeboat towed the rib to the entrance of the Port of Larne, where the tow line was passed to the inshore D class lifeboat Terry, helmed by Pamela Leitch with Kathryn Brennan and Phil Ford-Hutchinson onboard. Working together, the crews safely returned the rib and divers to the Blue Circle Boat Club.

Speaking following the rescue, Larne RNLI Coxswain Barry Kirkpatrick said:

“We would like to wish the divers well. 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 added:

“We would encourage anyone planning a trip to sea 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.”

The RNLI is a charity that relies on public donations to fund its lifesaving work around the UK and Ireland’s coasts.