Portrush RNLI responds to missing child alert and medical emergency at Benone Beach

Portrush RNLI returning to station Sunday afternoon.

Image: Launch Authority Wes Moore

Portrush RNLI’s volunteer crew were called into action twice on Sunday (13 July) following reports of a missing child and a separate medical emergency at Benone Beach, County Londonderry.

The first call came at 2.09pm from Belfast Coastguard, reporting a missing child last seen near the water’s edge at Benone, a popular beach destination for families during the summer months.

The Portrush Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) launched promptly at 2.21pm in ideal sea conditions and arrived on scene by 2.41pm.

The RNLI’s volunteer crew were joined in the urgent search by RNLI lifeguards, HM Coastguard, and two Irish Coastguard vessels based at Greencastle (CG Bravo and CG Delta).

A coordinated search effort focused on the stretch of water where the child had last been spotted. Thankfully, the child was located safe and well onshore at 3.07pm.

However, the afternoon’s operations didn’t end there. As the lifeboat was returning to station, the crew were diverted back to Benone Beach to assist a person who had collapsed on the sand.

A qualified doctor on the RNLI volunteer crew supported Coastguard personnel in providing on-scene assessment and treatment of the casualty, with assistance given at approximately 3.40pm.

Wesley Moore, Launch Authority at Portrush RNLI, commented on the incidents:

“This has been the 4th shout in 24 hours for our crew and a call for a missing child is always a call our volunteer crew dread to receive.

“At this time, beaches are busy, and children can very quickly wander off. We would ask that you supervise children closely, take a picture of them when you arrive at the beach, so if the worst happens you can give an accurate description to the Coastguard and our crews.

“Our lifeguards are now back on the beaches and are happy to advise about wind and tides which can change very quickly.”

He added:

“Both outcomes were good and something our crew train for on a regular basis, with our interagency partners. We hope both casualties recover quickly from their ordeal.”

The ILB and its dedicated volunteer crew returned to Portrush RNLI Station at 4.15pm.

RNLI safety reminder

With the summer season well underway and beaches becoming increasingly crowded, Portrush RNLI urges beachgoers to remain vigilant, especially when supervising children.

Lifeguards are available on many beaches to offer safety advice, including information about changing sea conditions, tides and wind patterns.