#RNLI - Portrush RNLI's inshore lifeboat was launched yesterday (Sunday 2 August) to reports of a dinghy in difficulty at Portballintrae in Co Antrim.
Conditions were good, with a stiff offshore wind and a relatively calm sea. The inshore lifeboat crew quickly arrived on scene, and transferred the casualty onboard the lifeboat. They then attached a towrope to the dinghy, which they proceeded to tow into Portballintrae Harbour.
The casualty was unharmed and the inshore lifeboat returned to station.
"This is the type of incident our lifeboat crews are trained to respond to and we are glad we could get quickly onto scene and get the casualty back to harbour," said Portrush RNLI lifeboat operations manager Robin Cardwell.
The previous day, both lifeboats were launched at 3.45pm to reports of an overturned catamaran at the East Strand.
RNLI lifeguards spotted the catamaran and contacted the Portrush lifeboat station to request assistance. The weather was overcast but visibility was good, with a westerly Force 3 wind and a 1.5 metre slight swell in sea conditions.
The inshore lifeboat arrived on scene first and got two casualties on board. They then requested the all-weather lifeboat to be launched to assist with the tow of the catamaran back to harbour so it would not pose to risk to other vessels.
The casualties were then transferred to the all-weather lifeboat and both crews proceeded to right the catamaran, which took some time in the sea conditions.
Once this was done, the inshore lifeboat towed the vessel back to Portrush Harbour escorted by the all-weather lifeboat. The two catamaran crew were unhurt.
"This has been a busy week for our crew and the lifeguards, and is a perfect example of the RNLI rescue services working together for a great outcome," added Cardwell.