Portrush RNLI rescues three people after motor boat breaks down near Ballycastle
Portrush RNLI was requested to launch its all-weather lifeboat by Belfast Coastguard at 1.26am this morning (Sunday 11 June) following reports of a small motor cruiser with three people onboard that had broken down approximately one mile off Ballycastle.
The lifeboat launched at 1.46am and arrived on scene at 3am. By the time the lifeboat and the volunteer crew had located the small boat, the tide had pulled her east and they she was in line between Rue Point (Rathlin Island) and Torr Head.
Conditions were near perfect, with some partial cloud with a smooth sea and a light South Easterly breeze.
Once on scene, the crew risk assessed the situation and a decision was made to attach a towline to the boat and the crew started a slow tow to Ballycastle Harbour.
The crew left Ballycastle Harbour at 3.40am and arrived home at 4.40am. After refuelling the lifeboat was back on her moorings at 4.55am, and the crew headed home for early breakfasts.
Speaking following the call out, Johnny Weston, Deputy Coxswain at Portrush RNLI said: ‘Because of the size of the motor cruiser, we had to make sure it was a sure steady tow back to Ballycastle Harbour, but it was a beautiful morning and sea conditions were good. The crew of the small boat did the right thing in alerting the Coastguard especially as the tide had started to pull them Eastwards. This was the third launch for our all-weather within a 24-hour period.'
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