Red Bay RNLI Crew Aid Solo Yachtsman During Challenging Evening Rescue

Tuesday 19 May 2026

Volunteer crew members from the RNLI at Red Bay launched a rescue operation on Monday evening, 18 May, to assist a lone sailor whose yacht got into difficulty in rough conditions off the Scottish coast.

Red Bay RNLI assists lone sailor. Photo Credit: RNLI/Red Bay

The alarm was raised shortly after 6pm when Belfast Coastguard requested the launch of the Red Bay all-weather lifeboat Corinne Whiteley. The sailor, who was travelling alone, was making passage from Scotland to Belfast aboard a 10-metre yacht when difficulties arose.

Weather conditions at the time were particularly demanding, with south-easterly winds reaching 28 knots and rough seas creating hazardous conditions for the vessel.

The yacht was eventually located around 16 miles east of Cushendall. Upon arriving on scene, the lifeboat crew carried out an assessment before transferring one of their crew members onto the yacht to assist the sailor, a manoeuvre made especially difficult by the challenging sea conditions.

Once safely onboard, the RNLI crew member was able to help stabilise the situation, allowing the yacht to continue under sail towards Glenarm. The vessel was then taken under tow by the lifeboat and escorted safely into Glenarm Marina, where members of Larne Coastguard assisted with mooring the yacht safely.

The lifeboat crew returned to Cushendall at approximately 11.30pm following the lengthy operation.

Speaking after the callout, Red Bay RNLI Coxswain Paddy McLaughlin praised the coordinated effort involved in the rescue.

“Conditions this evening made this a demanding operation for all involved and we want to thank both Belfast Coastguard and Larne Coastguard for their assistance throughout and wish the sailor well,” he said.

“As we prepare for summer, we would encourage anyone planning a trip to sea to go prepared. Always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity, always carry a fully charged means of communication and always let someone know where you are going and when you are due back. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”