Portrush RNLI was requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard at 9.27 am on Thursday morning (29 September) to reports of a fishing vessel in difficulty near Malin Head approximately 47.5 miles north west from Portrush.
The All-weather Lifeboat and her crew under Coxswain Des Austin launched at 9.49 am to the fishing vessel with 5 persons on board who had alerted the Coastguard that they had sustained a fouled propellor near Malin Head Pier.
The ALB made best speed in a moderately choppy sea in good visibility and arrived on scene at 12.10pm. The crew carried out a dynamic risk assessment with the crew of the fishing vessel and all agreed to establish a tow line between the two vessels and to tow the boat back to Malin Head Pier.
Portrush ALB were met by volunteer crew from their flank station, Lough Swilly RNLI who took over the tow and steered the vessel into the port.
Portrush ALB returned to station in a beautiful calm sea, arriving back in harbour at 5.45 pm.
Beni McAllister – Lifeboat Operations manager at Portrush RNLI said:
"This was a classic shout for our crew, we asked Lough Swilly to come on board to assist as the Harbour at Malin Head can on occasions be too shallow for the Severn to navigate. Always good to carry out a joint shout with our Lough Swilly colleagues.
"Portrush ALB is now back in harbour and both boat and crew have refuelled ready for next shout."
Crew; Des Austin Coxswain; Dave Robinson Mechanic; Debs Smyth; Roo McCrudden; Ben Durrant