#RNLI - Larne RNLI rescued two men yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 5 July) after their yacht got into difficulty off the Antrim coast.
The all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch at 1.46pm following a report from Belfast Coastguard that a 30ft yacht with two people on board had got into difficulty two miles east of Muck Island.
The lifeboat, under coxswain Frank Healy, launched immediately and made its way to the scene. Weather conditions were good at the time with a Force 1 wind and clear visibility.
A fisheries protection vessel was on scene first and assisted the VHF communications between the lifeboat and casualty vessel.
Upon arrival, the volunteer lifeboat crew observed that the yacht, which had been on passage between Bangor and Campbeltown, had got its propeller tangled on fishing nets. A lack of wind had left the sailors with no means of moving forward.
The lifeboat crew worked to establish a towline and proceeded to take the vessel under tow to Larne Lough where it was met by Larne’s inshore lifeboat, which assisted in helping the yacht onto a mooring.
Dolphins that were in the area at the time also guided the vessel into the harbour.
Speaking following the callout Larne RNLI’s deputy launching authority Roy McMullan reminded anyone taking to the sea this summer to respect the water.
“Sailing and motorboating are popular pastimes particularly at this time of year. We would encourage sailors to always wear a lifejacket and always have a means for calling or signalling for help and ensure everyone onboard knows how to use it.
“Always check the weather forecast and tide times and make sure someone ashore knows where you are going and who to call if you don’t return on time.”
