The scene at Portrush Harbour where RNLI crews handed the casualties into the care of NIAS. (Images: McAuley Multimedia)
Portrush RNLI volunteers were tasked by HM Coastguard at 12:50pm this afternoon (Saturday 19 August) to respond to a Mayday call made by a pleasure boat taking on water between Portstewart and Barmouth.
Launching at 1:15pm in force 5 winds and moderate seas, the Portrush all-weather lifeboat made its way to the vessel which had three people on board.
With reports that the vessel had sank and three people in the water, Portrush lifeboat arrived on scene within minutes joining Rescue 118 helicopter, and three other local boats who had also responded to the Mayday call joined the search.
One of the other local boats spotted the casualties and her crew brought two casualties back to Harbour. Portrush ALB picked up the other casualty and returned to Harbour where they were met by Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, HMCG.
Beni McAllister Lifeboat Operations Manager at Portrush said:
"The three casualties were very lucky in that they had buoyancy aids and also means of communication to call for help. Thank you too to our local boat owners who responded so quickly to the call"