Lough Swilly RNLI and Portrush RNLI were requested to launch to reports of a fishing vessel in difficulty near Main Head yesterday.
Portrush RNLI were first contacted by Belfast Coastguard and the All-weather Lifeboat and her crew under Coxswain Des Austin launched at 9.49 am to the fishing vessel with 5 persons on board near who had alerted the Coastguard that they had sustained a fouled propellor near Malin Head Pier.
The ALB made best speed in a moderately choppy sea in good visibility and arrived on scene at 12.10 pm.
The crew carried out a dynamic risk assessment with the crew of the fishing vessel and all agreed to establish a tow line between the two vessels and to tow the boat back to Malin Head Pier.
Portrush ALB were met by volunteer crew from their flank station, Lough Swilly RNLI who took over the tow and steered the vessel into the port.
Beni McAllister – Lifeboat Operations manager at Portrush RNLI said: “This was a classic shout for our crew, we asked Lough Swilly to come on board to assist as the Harbour at Malin Head can on occasions be too shallow for the Severn to navigate. Always good to carry out a joint shout with our Lough Swilly colleagues.”
