Larne RNLI has carried out a potentially lifesaving training exercise with Dublin Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 116 off Ballygally Head.
The Coast Guard Sikorsky helicopter joined Larne RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat Windsor Runner and its inshore lifeboat Terry to carry out the exercise on Sunday April 10.
The event involved simulating the recovery of a casualty to a helicopter in an emergency situation.
During the high-octane training, the lifeboats practised manoeuvres at speed with the Dublin Coastguard.
In addition, a crew member with a head for heights was winched into the helicopter and a casualty stretcher was transferred from the helicopter to the lifeboat.
The helicopter winchman then took his turn, landing onto the inshore lifeboat.
Larne RNLI is pictured on a training exercise with Dublin Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 116 off Ballygally Head. INLT-15-705-con
Larne RNLI Coxswain Frank Healy said: ‘This was a very valuable exercise with the Irish Coast Guard.
“It’s fantastic to step up the volume and breadth of our training coming into what is traditionally a busy summer period for call outs.
“Our thanks to the Irish Coast Guard for making this exercise possible.”
The RNLI regularly carries out exercises with other rescue agencies.
A crew member is winched up to the helicopter following a training exercise between Larne RNLI and Dublin Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 116 off Ballygally Head. INLT-15-704-con
This training ensures that the crew are able to work effectively with other agencies in an emergency situation, including medical evacuation of a casualty to a helicopter.
The Sikorsky helicopter had previously visited Larne on March 20, when it landed on Curran Point and Larne RNLI received a briefing which included an orientation of the helicopter.
The Larne Coastguard team were also present on the day securing a safe landing zone for the helicopter.