Larne RNLI Tows Broken-Down Boat to Safety

19th September 2026

Afloat.ie Team

Tow to Safety: Larne RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat Machiko Nancy, which launched to assist one person onboard a boat that suffered mechanical failure north of the Isle of Muck Credit: Jason Bain

Larne RNLI came to the aid of one person onboard a boat that suffered mechanical failure off the County Antrim coast on Friday afternoon, the 18th of September. The volunteer crew launched the all-weather lifeboat Machiko Nancy at 2.54 pm at the request of HM Coastguard after the person onboard raised the alarm.

Coxswain Chris Dorman, mechanic Derek Rea and crew members Willie Evans, Jordan McIlhinney, Roy McMullan and Shea McFerran made their way towards the boat’s last reported position. Conditions at the time included good visibility, a fresh breeze and rolling seas.

The boat was located approximately one mile north of the Isle of Muck.

On arrival, Dorman assessed the situation and established that the person onboard was safe and that the boat had suffered mechanical failure. Following the assessment, a tow was established, and the vessel was taken towards the Port of Larne.

Larne RNLI’s D-class inshore lifeboat Terry, helmed by Pamela Leitch with Ross Stewart, Kathryn Brennan and Phil Ford-Hutchinson onboard, also assisted, and the boat was safely returned to Ballylumford Harbour.

RNLI Urges Checks Before Going to Sea

Speaking following the call-out, Dorman said the person onboard had been wearing the correct safety equipment and had a means of contacting the Coastguard.

“They did the right thing when they realised that they had broken down,” he said. “We would encourage anyone planning a trip to sea to check their vessels and ensure engines are well maintained."

“When going out, always carry adequate tools and spares and ensure you have enough fuel for your journey."

“If you do get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”

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Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) in Ireland Information

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is a charity to save lives at sea in the waters of UK and Ireland. Funded principally by legacies and donations, the RNLI operates a fleet of lifeboats, crewed by volunteers, based at a range of coastal and inland waters stations. Working closely with UK and Ireland Coastguards, RNLI crews are available to launch at short notice to assist people and vessels in difficulties.

RNLI was founded in 1824 and is based in Poole, Dorset. The organisation raised €210m in funds in 2019, spending €200m on lifesaving activities and water safety education. RNLI also provides a beach lifeguard service in the UK and has recently developed an International drowning prevention strategy, partnering with other organisations and governments to make drowning prevention a global priority.

Famous Irish Lifeboat Rescues

Irish Lifeboats have participated in many rescues, perhaps the most famous of which was the rescue of the crew of the Daunt Rock lightship off Cork Harbour by the Ballycotton lifeboat in 1936. Spending almost 50 hours at sea, the lifeboat stood by the drifting lightship until the proximity to the Daunt Rock forced the coxswain to get alongside and successfully rescue the lightship's crew.

32 Irish lifeboat crew have been lost in rescue missions, including the 15 crew of the Kingstown (now Dun Laoghaire) lifeboat which capsized while attempting to rescue the crew of the SS Palme on Christmas Eve 1895.

FAQs

Which is Ireland's busiest lifeboat station?

While the number of callouts to lifeboat stations varies from year to year, Howth Lifeboat station has aggregated more 'shouts' in recent years than other stations, averaging just over 60 a year.

Do the RNLI get paid?

Stations with an offshore lifeboat have a full-time mechanic, while some have a full-time coxswain. However, most lifeboat crews are volunteers.

How many RNLI Lifeboat stations in Ireland?

There are 46 lifeboat stations on the island of Ireland

How many lifeboat crew have been lost in rescue missions?

How many people are rescued by the RNLI?

In 2019, 8,941 lifeboat launches saved 342 lives across the RNLI fleet.

What type of boats does the RNLI have?

The Irish fleet is a mixture of inshore and all-weather (offshore) craft. The offshore lifeboats, which range from 17m to 12m in length are either moored afloat, launched down a slipway or are towed into the sea on a trailer and launched. The inshore boats are either rigid or non-rigid inflatables.

How are lifeboats called out?

The Irish Coast Guard in the Republic of Ireland or the UK Coastguard in Northern Ireland task lifeboats when an emergency call is received, through any of the recognised systems. These include 999/112 phone calls, Mayday/PanPan calls on VHF, a signal from an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) or distress signals.

What is the relationship between the Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI in Ireland?

The Irish Coast Guard is the government agency responsible for the response to, and co-ordination of, maritime accidents which require search and rescue operations. To carry out their task the Coast Guard calls on their own resources – Coast Guard units manned by volunteers and contracted helicopters, as well as "declared resources" - RNLI lifeboats and crews. While lifeboats conduct the operation, the coordination is provided by the Coast Guard.

What is a coxswain?

A lifeboat coxswain (pronounced cox'n) is the skipper or master of the lifeboat.

What training do RNLI lifeboat crews get?

RNLI Lifeboat crews are required to follow a particular development plan that covers a pre-agreed range of skills necessary to complete particular tasks. These skills and tasks form part of the competence-based training that is delivered both locally and at the RNLI's Lifeboat College in Poole, Dorset