RNLI issues inflatables safety warning after rescuing man whose dinghy had drifted a mile offshore near Larne
A quick-thinking member of the public helped to raise the alarm after a man drifted out to sea on an inflatable dinghy near Larne on Monday, (July 15)
Larne RNLI volunteer crew launched at 1.15pm in response to a Coastguard request after the member of the public had alerted them on seeing the small dinghy a mile offshore from Ballygally beach.
Weather conditions at the time were good with a fresh south - south-easterly breeze.
Larne Coastguard was initially tasked and on proceeding to the scene and seeing how far the dinghy had been swept out, requested the assistance of the RNLI crew.
The lifeboat, helmed by Willie Evans and with Shea McFerran and Rachel Maybin onboard, made its way to the scene guided to the location by the shore base Coastguard team.
On arrival, the crew observed the man, who was wearing a buoyancy aid and carrying a means of communication in a waterproof pouch, had entered the water. They brought him safely onboard the lifeboat. He was cold but otherwise safe and well. The crew then deflated the dinghy before returning the casualty to shore and into the care of the Coastguard team.
Speaking after the call out, Larne RNLI Helm Willie Evans said: “We would like to wish the casualty well and commend the member of the public for raising the alarm, that is always the right thing to do. The casualty had drifted considerably out to sea so time is always of the essence in these situations.
“As the summer continues and people enjoy a wide variety of activities on the water, we would like to remind everyone that while inflatables can be great fun, they are not designed for the beach as they can easily get swept out to sea.
"If you do bring your inflatable, choose a lifeguarded beach, use it close to the shore and between the red and yellow flags. If you do get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”