22/07/2026
A BUSY DAY FOR THE LARNE RLNI CREWS
On Wednesday 22 July the volunteer crews from Larne RNLI were requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat Machiko Nancy and their inshore lifeboat Terry at 2.32pm at the request of HM Coastguard after a member of the public raised the alarm when they saw what they thought was an upturned boat 100 metres offshore at Ballygally Head.
The all-weather lifeboat with Coxswain Chris Dorman, Mechanic Derek Rea, Navigator Phil Ford-Hutchinson and crew members Scott Leitch and Catherine Lee onboard, and the inshore lifeboat with Willie Evans at the helm and Pamela Leitch and Jordan McIlhinney onboard made their way to the upturned boats last reported location.
Weather conditions at the time were described as good with a northerly wind and moderate to rough seas.
On arrival at Ballygally, HM Coastguard informed the crews that a whale carcass had just washed up on the beach. An extensive search was then carried out of the area; however, nothing was found.
Speaking following the call out, Larne RNLI Coxswain, Chris Dorman said, ‘We would like to commend the member of the public who raised the alarm, that is always the right thing to do. Should you see someone in difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’
‘As we progress through the summer holidays, we would remind everyone planning a trip or activity at sea to enjoy them themselves but to go prepared. Check weather and tide times, always wear a lifejacket or suitable personal flotation device, let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back. Always carry a means of communication and should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’
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SECOND SHOUT
On Wednesday 22 July the volunteer crews from Larne RNLI were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat Terry at 6.53pm at the request of HM Coastguard after a member of the public raised the alarm when they saw what they thought was an upturned boat approximately one mile north of Barrs Point.
Weather conditions at the time were described as good with a northerly wind and moderate to rough seas.
On arrival at the reported location, the volunteer crew carried out an extensive search of the area; however, nothing was found.
HM Coastguard then advised the crew that the reporting party had since informed them that the vessel had righted itself before leaving the area. The crew expanded the search and made their way to the only vessel in the vicinity, which the reporting party confirmed was the boat in question.
After speaking with those on board, it was established that everyone was safe and well and that the vessel had not been involved in any incident.
Speaking following the call out, Larne RNLI Helm, Pamela Leitch said, ‘We would like to commend the member of the public who raised the alarm, that is always the right thing to do. Should you see someone in difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’
📷 Jason Bain
