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Portrush RNLI launched to reports of a vessel in difficulty in Lough Foyle

Lifeboats News Release

Portrush RNLI’s All-weather lifeboat was requested to launch by the Coast Guard today (Sunday 3rd December) at 1.41 pm to reports of Personal Locator Beacon being activated from a boat in Lough Foyle.

Portrush RNLI’s All-weather lifeboat was requested to launch by the Coast Guard today (Sunday 3rd December) at 1.41 pm to reports of Personal Locator Beacon being activated from a boat in Lough Foyle.

The All-weather Lifeboat and her volunteer crew launched at 1.55 with an estimated time of arrival on scene at 2.40pm as conditions were perfect, with calm seas and excellent visibility.

En route to the scene it was confirmed that the boat had sunk with four people on board. Other vessels were on scene to assist with the search, including Green Castle Coast Guard and the rescue helicopter R118.

Portrush ALB remained on scene along with other vessels and assisted with the search for the four crewmembers. The casualties were located at 3.25pm and were recovered by Greencastle Coast Guard, and transferred to the ALB where they were then winched onboard Rescue 118.

Carl Kennedy Portrush RNLI Launch Authority said: -

‘This was a great outcome for all concerned today. Our volunteer crew practice with our colleagues in the Irish Coast Guard in anticipation for this type of scenario. All crews involved worked well to recover the casualties and we are delighted that we were able to report a good outcome due to the Personal Locator beacon being activated’.

Ends

RNLI/Ben Durrant

Portrush ALB going out on a shout

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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

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