Larne RNLI

🛟 MAN OVERBOARD AWARENESS DAY 🛟
🗓️ 12 October
📍 National Fisheries College of Ireland, Greencastle , County Donegal
🚘 Travel and subsistence costs can be claimed
🥪 Lunch will be provided
💴 £200 training grant for fishers completing the course

Click here to register: HTTPS://atpportal.seafish.org/registration/sea-fish-industry-authority/1511
📧 OR email [email protected]

The session will cover:
Causes of falling overboard
How to prevent falling overboard
How to improve chance of survival if you do fall overboard
Jumping into the pool with clothes and oilskins on, with and without a personal flotation device on
Practise climbing into a life raft
Practise with the lines, tyres and a ladder to pull you out of the water.

🎅🏻🎄 IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS! 🎄🎅🏻

Our RNLI Christmas Shop is coming back to Larne!

Get your Christmas shopping started, pick up some fantastic RNLI gifts and help save lives at sea while you shop!

Date & venue to be announced soon — watch this space!

🌬️ If you can see it, hear it or feel it, it's too windy to paddle.

Many paddleboarders get caught out by offshore winds because the water can appear calm and inviting. But looks can be deceiving.

A Force 4 wind (20 km/h or 13 mph) can push a paddleboarder around one mile offshore in just 30 minutes.

That's why we encourage:
🚪 Force 4 or more, close the door. Or simply remember: 🍀 13 mph = unlucky for paddleboarding ✅ 20 km/h = plenty of wind to stay ashore

Before heading out, check the forecast, look around and ask:
💨 Dust or rubbish blowing?
🌳 Small branches moving?
🌊 White horses forming?
👂 Wind gusts easy to hear?
👕 Wind moving your clothing or board?
If the answer is yes, think twice before launching.
🏄‍♂️ The safest paddle is the one where you return safely.

On Friday evening, the fundraising team at Larne RNLI hosted a charity pub quiz at East Antrim Boat Club in support of Larne RNLI, raising an incredible £500.

The volunteer crew and fundraising team at Larne RNLI would like to extend their sincere thanks to quizmaster Stephen Snoddy, East Antrim Boat Club and everyone who attended and supported this fantastic event. Your generosity and support helped raise a truly amazing amount for the charity.

Thank you all for helping us continue to save lives at sea.
Every donation helps the RNLI work towards our goal of saving every one. The kit, equipment, training and even the lifeboats themselves are only available thanks to support from people like this.

📷 - Pam McAuley

Larne RNLI rescues one person onboard a boat that breaks down.

Larne RNLI came to the aid of one person onboard a broken-down boat yesterday afternoon (18 September).

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat Machiko Nancy at 2:54pm at the request of HM Coastguard after the crew member onboard the boat raised the alarm. Coxswain Chris Dorman, Mechanic Derek Rea, crew members Willie Evans, Jordan McIlhinney, Roy McMullan and Shea McFerran made their way to the casualties last reported location.

Weather conditions at the time were described as good visibility with a fresh breeze and rolling seas.

The casualty was located one mile north of the Isle of Muck.

Once on location, the Coxswain assessed the situation. It was established that the crew member was safe and that the reason for the breakdown was mechanical failure. After checking that the crew member was safe and following an assessment at the scene by the Coxswain, it was established that the necessary and safest course of action was that a tow line be established, and the boat taken to the safety of the Port of Larne.

The all-weather lifeboat established the tow line, and the boat was taken to the Port of Larne. With the assistance of the inshore D class lifeboat Terry helmed by Pamela Leitch, with Ross Stewart, Kathryn Brennan and Phil Ford-Hutchinson on board the boat was safely returned to Ballylumford Harbour.

Speaking following the call out, Larne RNLI Coxswain, Chris Dorman said, ‘We would like to wish the crew member well. They 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.’ 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.’

Ends

Tonight’s The Night!

The Larne RNLI Fundraisers are hosting a quiz at East Antrim Boat Club this evening! Why not come along for what promises to be a cracking night.

Whether you’re a seasoned quizzer or a total beginner, you’ll be very welcome! Best of all, you’ll be helping support Larne RNLI as they continue their incredible work of saving lives at sea.

Become a Volunteer Water Safety Adviser with Larne RNLI

Are you passionate about keeping people safe around the water? We're looking for Volunteer Water Safety Advisers to help share lifesaving advice, promote water safety messages, and build relationships within local communities.
If you're passionate about preventing drowning, enjoy engaging with people, have good communication skills and a desire to make a difference, we'd love to hear from you. Training and support are provided.
✅ Flexible volunteering
✅ Meet new people
✅ Gain valuable experience
✅ Help save lives through drowning prevention

Scan the QR code on the image to find out more about the role and how to apply.

Training in near-perfect conditions!

The volunteer crew from Larne RNLI were greeted by near-perfect conditions for this morning’s training exercise.

Taking to the water aboard our Shannon class lifeboat Machiko Nancy and inshore lifeboat Terry, the crew put their skills to the test during a series of vital exercises.

This morning’s training focused on breeches buoy operations and person recovery, with the crew demonstrating excellent teamwork, communication and boat-handling skills throughout the session.

Regular training exercises such as these are an essential part of keeping our volunteer crew prepared and ready to respond whenever they are called upon.

📷 Frank Healy
📷 Jack Healy
📷 Samantha Agnew
📷 Dave Somerville

Larne RNLI rescues two people onboard fishing boat that breaks down.

Larne RNLI came to the aid of two crew members onboard a broken-down fishing boat this morning (13 September).

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat Terry at 11.59am at the request of HM Coastguard after a member of the crew onboard the boat reported that they had broken down. Helm Scott Leitch and crew members Shea McFerran and Andy Purves made their way to the casualties' last reported location.

Weather conditions at the time were described as good with a gentle breeze and slight seas.

The casualties were located a short distance away in Larne Harbour.

Once on location, the Helm assessed the situation. It was established that both crew members were safe and that the reason for the breakdown was mechanical failure. After checking that all on board were safe and following an assessment at the scene by the Helm, it was established that the necessary and safest course of action was that a tow line be established, and the boat taken to the safety of Larne Boat Club. A tow line was established, and the boat was safely returned to Larne Boat Club.

Speaking following the call out, Larne RNLI Helm, Scott Leitch said, ‘We would like to wish the crew well. The casualties had the means to contact the Coastguard and did the right thing when they realised that they had broken down. 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.’

Please take time to read the official RNLI statement concerning recent events.
Thank you to all of our supporters.