Home / Disasters and Accidents / RNLI Saves Six in Seven-Hour Rescue Off N. Ireland
RNLI Saves Six in Seven-Hour Rescue Off N. Ireland
12 Sep
Summary
- Six people were rescued from a 46ft yacht in harsh weather.
- The yacht lost power and steering after hitting fish farm cages.
- Rescue operation lasted seven hours in gale-force winds.
A dramatic seven-hour rescue operation by the Red Bay RNLI successfully brought six people to safety after their 46ft yacht encountered severe difficulties off the coast of Cushendall, Northern Ireland. The vessel issued a Mayday call while en route from Oban, Scotland, to Portugal after losing all power and steering.
The yacht made contact with a fish farm in Red Bay during 60-knot winds, becoming trapped and entangled. The RNLI lifeboat, along with an inshore lifeboat, launched into harsh weather conditions, including gale-force winds and driving rain.
Given the dangerous seas, the decision was made for the sailors to remain on board the yacht while the RNLI lifeboat stood by until daylight. At 9:30am, the lifeboat crew managed to free the entangled yacht from the fish farm.
Finally, at 10am, the yacht and its six occupants were brought safely ashore to Glenarm, where they were met by Larne Coastguard. The coxswain commended the crew's quick response and dedication in challenging conditions.
