First callout onboard all-weather lifeboat for volunteer crew member asLarne RNLI respond to a yacht in difficulty
- Robert Stone
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
Saturday 8 November 2025
On Friday afternoon, (7 November), the volunteer crew of Larne RNLI swiftly responded to a report of a yacht in difficulty.
When her pager went off this afternoon, volunteer crew member Kathryn Brennan, a software engineer from Larne was called into action for her first shout onboard the all-weather lifeboat. Kathryn, a crew member for the Larne RNLI lifeboat station said ‘With this being my first shout onboard the all-weather lifeboat, it was good getting to put my training into use. I continuously feel supported by the rest of the crew who always go out of their way to pass down their knowledge and experience to me which makes me feel more ready with each shout. It's reassuring to know that you've got a good group of crew members there to guide you.’
At 1:26 PM, the all-weather lifeboat Dr. John McSparran launched at the request of HM Coastguard after a distress signal was raised by a crew member onboard the yacht.
Fortunately, the weather conditions were favorable, with light winds and calm seas, providing an ideal setting for a rescue operation. The lifeboat crew, led by Coxswain Roy McMullan, included Mechanic Derek Rea and crew members Catherine Lee, Nigel Kane, Phil Ford-Hutchinson, Shea McFerran, Kathryn Brennan, and Chris Dorman.
The lifeboat made its way to the yacht's last reported location in Browns Bay, where the vessel was found drifting towards shallow waters. Upon arrival, the Coxswain assessed the situation, and a crew member was transferred to the yacht to ensure the safety of the individual onboard. The crew member confirmed that the person was safe and unharmed.
The yacht's distress was due to engine failure. After a thorough assessment by the Coxswain, it was determined that the safest course of action was to establish a short tow line. This allowed the lifeboat to guide the yacht out of the bay into deeper waters, preventing further drift towards the shallows. Once secured and safely anchored, the crew returned to the Port of Larne, concluding a successful and efficient rescue operation.
Speaking following the call out, Larne RNLI Coxswain Roy McMullan said: ‘The casualty had the means to contact the Coastguard and did the right thing when they realised that they were in difficulty.’ '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.’
