Portrush ALB returning home.
Image: RNLI/Tim Nelson
Portrush All-weather lifeboat (ALB) was requested to launch by the Coastguard today (Saturday) at 10:24 am to reports of a person in difficulty in the water at Pans Rock at Ballycastle.
The person with a tow float was reported as making no progress, and it was decided to launch the ALB and her volunteer crew to assess the situation.
The ALB was launched at 10:49 but stood down by The Coastguard as the swimmer had made it back to shore. The ALB was re - tasked as it was established that the swimmer had made it onto rocks and was unable to get off.
However, the ALB was once again stood down as the Coastguard had deployed their rope team and was able to recover the casualty.
Carl Kennedy Duty Launch Authority for Portrush RNLI said:
“This was a case of better safe than sorry, and we are always happy to launch ‘just in case’. As it turned out the swimmer did not need our assistance today but had a tow float attached which made it easy to see the person in difficulty.
“We would encourage all swimmers to have a float, wear a bright swimming cap, and if possible, take a means of calling for assistance. Also tell someone where you are going and what time you will be expected back”.
The ALB ‘The William Gordon Burr’ and her volunteer crew arrived back on station at 11.38am ready for next shout.