Three people rescued from fishing boat on Co Antrim coast

Three people were rescued after their small fishing boat became grounded on rocks off the Co Antrim coast yesterday morning (Saturday).
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The volunteer lifeboat crew from Red Bay RNLI launched at 9.20am after reports of the incident one mile south of Glenarm marina.

In a strong easterly wind and choppy waters, the lifeboat crew were on scene in 20 minutes and all three men were safety rescued from the craft and brought ashore.

When arriving on scene, the lifeboat crew observed the vessel stuck fast on the rocks and with visible damage to its hull.

Red Bay lifeboat launching on the calloutRed Bay lifeboat launching on the callout
Red Bay lifeboat launching on the callout

Deciding it would be too dangerous to move the vessel and with the tide dropping, the decision was taken to take the crew off their vessel.

Two lifeboat crew swam ashore and with the assistance of Ballycastle and Larne shore-based Coastguard units, two men were safely taken off the boat.

The third man needed the aid of a stretcher and the agencies worked together to safety move him.

Commenting on the callout Red Bay RNLI Helm Connor McLaughlin said that the the fishing vessel was stuck fast on the rocky coastline and the crew were unable to move.

“With the tide dropping fast and visible damage to the vessel, we needed to bring them to safety as quickly as possible,” he explained.

“Working with the local coastguard agencies, two of our crew swam to shore and brought all three of the men to safety, with one needing a stretcher to be evacuated off the small craft.

“The weather can turn in an instant and it’s important to take note of tide times.

“Thankfully all of the men were wearing lifejackets and the outcome was a successful one,” Connor added.

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