Portrush RNLI was requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard at 1.26am (Sunday morning, 11th June) to reports of a small motor cruiser that had broken down approximately one mile off Ballycastle.
The All-weather Lifeboat launched at 1.46 am and arrived on scene at 3am. By the time the ALB and the volunteer crew had located the small boat with 3 persons on board the tide had pulled them east and they were in line between Rue Point (Rathlin Island) and Torr Head.
Conditions were near perfect, with some partial cloud with a smooth sea and a light South Easterly breeze.
Once on scene the crew risk assessed the situation and attached a towline to the boat and started a slow tow to Ballycastle Harbour.
The crew left Ballycastle Harbour at 3.40am and arrived home at 4.40am. After refuelling the ALB was back on her moorings at 4.55am, and the crew headed home for early breakfasts!
Johnny Weston, Deputy Coxswain at Portrush said:
"Because of the size of the motor cruiser, we had to make sure it was a sure steady tow back to Ballycastle Harbour, but it was a beautiful morning and sea conditions were good.
"The crew of the small boat did the right thing in alerting the Coastguard especially as the tide had started to pull them Eastwards.
"Always better to be safe than sorry."
This was the third launch for the ALB within a 24-hour period.
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