#RNLI - Larne RNLI encourages the public to always call for help if they believe someone is in trouble on the coast, following a callout this week that turned out to be a false alarm.
The Larne volunteer crew launched their inshore lifeboat Terry on Thursday afternoon (20 July) following reports from a member of the public of an 8ft punt with two on board having engine difficulties in Drains Bay, Co Antrim.
Terry and crew were quickly on scene and found the vessel making way near Larne Promenade. The crew checked that the two people on board were not in distress and had a means of calling for help if need be.
“This incident proved to be a false alarm with good intent and we would like to thank the concerned member of the public who alerted the coastguard,” said Larne RNLI deputy launching authority Philip Ford-Hutchinson.
“We would encourage anyone taking to the water to always wear a life jacket, ensure your vessel and equipment are in good working order, check the weather and tide and always carry a means of calling for help. If you see someone in trouble on the coast always dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.”