First shout for new Coxswain as Larne RNLI launches following report of a swimmer in difficulty

Wednesday 24 September 2025

On Tuesday afternoon (23 September), Larne RNLI respond to report of a swimmer in difficulty close to Ballygally Beach.

Stock photo of both Larne Lifeboats. Photo Credit: RNLI/Larne

The volunteer crew of Larne RNLI were requested to launch their Inshore D class Lifeboat Terry and their All-Weather Lifeboat Dr John McSparran at 1.21pm at the request of HM Coastguard after member of the public reported a swimmer in difficulty.

Weather conditions at the time were fine with a slight wind and calm seas.

The Inshore Lifeboat helmed by Samantha Agnew and with Jordan McIlhinney and Phil Ford-Hutchinson onboard and the All-Weather Lifeboat with Coxswain Roy McMullan, Mechanic Derek Rea and crew members Chris Dorman, Catherine Lee and Gary Hanna onboard made their way to the swimmers last reported location.

Both Lifeboats carried out a check of the area, however there was no sign of the swimmer. The crews then set up a search pattern and commenced a search of the wider area. A short time after the search commenced the Inshore Lifeboat crew located the swimmer. The swimmer who was using a tow float was found to be cold and shaking and appeared to be struggling on their return swim. They had been in the water for around two hours and had lost track of time as they believed that they had only been in the water for 45 minutes. The swimmer was brought onboard and taken safely back to shore where they were checked over by the crew before being left in the care of HM Coastguard Larne.

Speaking following the call out, Larne RNLI Coxswain Roy McMullan who was on his first shout as Coxswain said: ‘We would like to wish the swimmer well. We would also like to commend the member of the public for raising the alarm, this is always the right thing to do. Should you see someone in difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’

‘Open water swimming is a popular activity, and we would encourage all swimmers to enjoy their swim while using some key safety advice.

Check weather forecast and tide times before venturing out.

Always carry a means of calling for help and let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back.

If you can, try to avoid swimming alone – consider going with a buddy or as part of a group and look out for one another.

Make sure you have the right kit. We would recommend a wetsuit in order to keep you warm and to increase your buoyancy together with a bright swim cap to make you more visible and take a tow float to use in an emergency.

Should you see someone in difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’