Three rescued after becoming cut off by the tide as Portrush RNLI crews respond to two emergencies within 20 minutes

Portrush RNLI all-weather lifeboat

Portrush RNLI volunteers were called to two separate rescue incidents within just 20 minutes on Saturday evening, with three people rescued after becoming cut off by the tide at Dunseverick while another crew recovered a capsized jet ski at West Strand.

The back-to-back launches saw both the station’s all-weather lifeboat (ALB) and inshore lifeboat (ILB) deployed following requests from Belfast Coastguard.

The first call came at 6.25pm, when the inshore lifeboat was tasked to reports of a jet ski that had capsized off West Strand, Portrush.

The volunteer crew recovered the jet ski and returned it safely to the beach.

Second emergency follows minutes later

While that incident was still unfolding, the all-weather lifeboat was requested at 6.45pm to reports that three people had become cut off by the rising tide at Dunseverick.

Portrush RNLI inshore lifeboat

To ensure the rescue could proceed quickly, one crew member transferred from the inshore lifeboat to the all-weather lifeboat before it launched at 7.03pm.

Despite calm conditions, with clear skies, excellent visibility and only a slight swell, the casualties were stranded in an area that required specialist rescue techniques.

After arriving on scene at around 7.30pm, the crew assessed the situation and decided to deploy the Y Boat from the larger lifeboat, allowing rescuers to get close to the shoreline.

The three casualties were brought safely back to Dunseverick Harbour. They suffered minor injuries but did not require further rescue.

‘They did the right thing’

Portrush RNLI Launch Authority Charles Grossie praised the group’s decision to call for help before the situation became more serious.

“Our volunteer crew assured the casualties that they had done the right thing by dialling 999 and alerting the Coastguard, so we could ensure their safety.

“This is the type of incident our crew train for, and are just glad that they were able to get the group to safety.

“It’s always advisable to check the tides and the weather conditions, as well as always carrying a means of calling for help if required.”

The all-weather lifeboat left the scene at 8.30pm before returning to Portrush Lifeboat Station at 9.20pm.

Saturday’s incidents serve as a reminder that even in favourable weather, rapidly changing tides can leave people stranded on the coast within a short period.

Anyone heading to the shoreline is urged to check tide times in advance and, in an emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.