RNLI crews bring boater safely ashore after mechanical failure at sea
Larne all-weather lifeboat Machiko Nancy. (Photo: Jason Bain)
Saturday 19 September 2026
Larne RNLI volunteers brought a boater safely ashore after a vessel suffered mechanical failure off the County Antrim coast on Friday afternoon.
The alarm was raised by the person onboard after the boat broke down, with HM Coastguard requesting the launch of Larne’s all-weather lifeboat Machiko Nancy at 2.54pm on 18 September.
Casualty found north of Isle of Muck
Coxswain Chris Dorman, mechanic Derek Rea and crew members Willie Evans, Jordan McIlhinney, Roy McMullan and Shea McFerran headed towards the vessel’s last reported position.
Conditions at the time included good visibility, a fresh breeze and rolling seas. The casualty was subsequently located around one mile north of the Isle of Muck, off Islandmagee.
Once alongside, the Coxswain assessed the situation and established that the person onboard was safe and the vessel had broken down because of a mechanical failure.
Lifeboat crews establish tow
Following the assessment, the crew determined that the safest course of action was to establish a tow and bring the vessel towards the safety of the Port of Larne.
The all-weather lifeboat took the boat under tow, before Larne RNLI’s inshore D class lifeboat Terry also assisted with the operation.
The inshore lifeboat was helmed by Pamela Leitch, with Ross Stewart, Kathryn Brennan and Phil Ford-Hutchinson onboard. The casualty vessel was subsequently returned safely to Ballylumford Harbour.
RNLI issues safety reminder
Speaking following the call-out, Larne RNLI Coxswain Chris Dorman praised the boater for carrying the correct safety equipment and raising the alarm when they realised they were in difficulty.
“We would like to wish the crew member well. They were wearing the correct safety equipment and had the means to contact the Coastguard. They did the right thing when they realised that they had broken down.”
“We would encourage anyone planning a trip to sea to check their vessels and ensure engines are well maintained. When going out, always carry adequate tools and spares and ensure you have enough fuel for your journey. If you do get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”
The incident ended safely, with the RNLI stressing that anyone who gets into difficulty at sea — or spots someone else in trouble — should immediately call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
