Red Bay RNLI launched to the aid of a lone sailor in challenging weather conditions on Monday evening (18 May) after their 10m yacht got into difficulty off the Scottish coast.
The volunteer crew launched the all-weather lifeboat at 6.05pm following a request by Belfast Coastguard to assist the sailor, who was on passage from Scotland to Northern Ireland.
Weather conditions at the time were challenging with south-easterly winds of 28 knots and rough seas.
The yacht was located some 16 miles east of Cushendall in Co Antrim. Once on scene, the lifeboat crew assessed the situation before transferring a crew member to the yacht to assist the sailor — a task that proved difficult in the conditions.
With the crew member safely onboard and able to render assistance, the yacht was able to sail to Glenarm, where it was then towed safely into Glenarm Marina by the lifeboat and moored with the assistance of Larne Coastguard. The lifeboat crew returned safely to Cushendall at 11.30pm.
Speaking following the call-out, Paddy McLaughlin, Red Bay RNLI coxswain said: “Conditions this evening made this a demanding operation for all involved and we want to thank both Belfast Coastguard and Larne Coastguard for their assistance throughout and wish the sailor well.
“As we prepare for summer, we would encourage anyone planning a trip to sea to go prepared. Always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity, always carry a fully charged means of communication and always let someone know where you are going and when you are due back. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”
