Larne RNLI rescues three people after boat breaks down off coast

Friday 5 September 2025

Larne RNLI came to the aid of three people onboard a broken down Rib four and a half miles off the Larne coast on Thursday evening (4 September). The vessel had sustained engine failure.

Larne inshore D class lifeboat Terry. Photo Credit: RNLI/Larne

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat Terry at 5.54pm at the request of HM Coastguard after a member of the crew onboard the boat raised the alarm.

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

The lifeboat helmed by Barry Kirkpatrick and with Shea McFerran and Phil Ford-Hutchinson onboard made their way to the casualties last reported location.

The casualties were located approximately 4.5 miles off the coast of Larne. It was established that the three crew members were safe and well and that the reason for the breakdown was engine failure. After checking that all onboard were safe and following an assessment of the scene by the helm, a decision was made that the safest course of action was for a tow to be set up and the RIB taken to the nearest safe harbour at Ballylumford. The casualties on arrival were handed into the care of Portmuck Coastguard.

Speaking following the call out, Larne RNLI Helm Barry Kirkpatrick said: ‘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 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.’