The Redbay Lifeboat crew launched on Saturday evening (25 June) after a rowing boat team got into difficulty in high seas on the Antrim coast.
GB Endurance, a six-strong team, started their journey in a small craft departing London on 12 June 2022, and were taking part in a challenge to row around Great Britain when weather conditions deteriorated sixteen miles east of Cushendall.
The rowing vessel called for assistance at 4pm on Saturday afternoon (25th June), stating it was in the Irish Sea and unable to row due to worsening weather conditions.
Red Bay RNLI all weather lifeboat was launched shortly afterwards tasked to the scene.
A spokesperson for Redbay RNLI confirmed all six people were safely recovered onboard the lifeboat in what were “hugely challenging conditions”. HM Coastguard confirmed that weather at the scene was gale force eight with very rough seas.
During the operation a tanker was diverted to the location of the rowers to help provide shelter for the team to be rescued.
Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 199 from Prestwick also assisted in the operation.
Just after 11pm on Saturday evening, the rowers were able to board the lifeboat, all safe and well, and made their way back to shore.