First shout for new Larne RNLI volunteer as lifeboats tow disabled fishing vessel to safety
- Pat Nolan
- Jul 11
- 2 min read
Saturday 11 July 2026
A new volunteer crew member experienced his first RNLI call-out after Larne lifeboats came to the assistance of three fishermen aboard a disabled fishing vessel off the County Antrim coast on Thursday evening (9 July).
Larne RNLI's all-weather lifeboat Machiko Nancy was already at sea conducting a coxswain pass-out assessment for trainee coxswain Barry Kirkpatrick when Belfast Coastguard requested assistance shortly after 9pm.
On board were trainee Coxswain Barry Kirkpatrick, Mechanic Ross Stewart, Navigator Jack Healy and crew members Chris Dorman and Shea McFerran, who proceeded to the vessel's last reported position.
The casualty vessel was located approximately half a mile north of Portmuck, close to the cliffs. Conditions were favourable, with a gentle breeze and smooth seas.
Following an assessment on scene, the crew confirmed that all three fishermen were safe and that the vessel had suffered a mechanical failure. With no immediate danger to those on board, the decision was made to establish a tow and escort the vessel safely back to Larne.
The all-weather lifeboat took the fishing vessel under tow before transferring the tow to Larne RNLI's D class inshore lifeboat Terry for the final stage into harbour.
The inshore lifeboat was helmed by Samantha Agnew with crew members Andy Purves and Jordan McIlhinney on board, safely bringing the casualty vessel to Larne Boat Club.
The rescue marked the first operational launch for new volunteer crew member Andy Purves.
Speaking afterwards, Purves said: "The good weather and calm conditions meant the handover of the tow between Larne all-weather lifeboat and Larne inshore lifeboat could be completed safely and without urgency. This was a great first experience and a reminder of the professionalism of everyone involved."
Barry Kirkpatrick, who was completing his coxswain assessment during the incident, praised the fishermen for taking the appropriate action.
"The casualties were wearing the correct safety equipment and had the means to contact the Coastguard. They did the right thing when they realised that they had broken down," he said.
He also urged anyone planning to head to sea to ensure their vessel is properly maintained, carry sufficient fuel, tools and spare parts, and to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if they encounter difficulties.
