Portrush RNLI launches to reports of dinghy in difficulty off Benone

Images: John Lynn

Portrush RNLI launched its all-weather lifeboat (ALB) on Monday evening (14 July) following several reports of two people in difficulty in a dinghy approximately three-quarters of a mile off Benone Beach.

The volunteer crew received the launch request from Belfast Coastguard at 8.19pm and were on the water by 8.23pm. Weather conditions were near perfect at the time of launch, although the sea was reported to be slightly choppy.

The ALB arrived on scene at 8.49pm, where a local vessel had already responded to a pan-pan call for assistance and retrieved the two casualties from the water.

The local crew waited with the casualties until the lifeboat crew arrived.

At 8.55pm, the casualties were safely transferred to the Portrush lifeboat, where they were medically assessed by crew member and onboard GP, Dr Peter Hughes. After being deemed medically fit, the two individuals were transferred into the lifeboat’s Y-boat and returned to the shore. On the beach, they were handed into the care of the Coastguard.

Speaking after the incident, Judy Nelson, Portrush RNLI Volunteer Press Officer, praised the actions of the local responder:

“We are grateful to the local man who was on 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 all-weather lifeboat and its volunteer crew have since returned to station.