Larne RNLI

Larne RNLI Larne RNLI station Today we operate an inshore D class lifeboat, D-783 Terry and an all weather Trent class lifeboat, 14-30 - RNLB Dr John McSparran.

Larne Lifeboat Station was established in 1994 and lifeboats have been launching into the waters of East Antrim and the North Channel from Larne ever since.

The volunteer crew and fundraisers at Larne RNLI would like to extend their sincere thanks to everyone at Larne Choral S...
30/05/2026

The volunteer crew and fundraisers at Larne RNLI would like to extend their sincere thanks to everyone at Larne Choral Society for their generous donation of £500.

This fantastic amount was raised following the Pop-Up Choir event held at Larne Town Hall on Saturday, 9th May. A huge thank you to everyone who took part, attended, and supported the event.

Every donation plays a vital role in supporting the RNLI’s mission to save lives at sea. The provision of our lifeboats, equipment, training, and essential kit is made possible entirely through the generosity of supporters such as this.

📷 Larne RNLI crew members Rachel Maybin & Gary Hanna receiving a cheque for £500 from members of Larne Choral Society.

Pop into Larne Main Street over the next two days and support a great cause!Deborah Buchanan is hosting a fabulous pop-u...
29/05/2026

Pop into Larne Main Street over the next two days and support a great cause!
Deborah Buchanan is hosting a fabulous pop-up shop today and Saturday from 11am to 5pm.
You’ll find a wonderful selection of clothing, handbags, shoes, and jewellery — perfect for treating yourself while supporting an important cause.
Every purchase helps raise vital funds to support our work in Saving Lives at Sea.
Why not call in, say hello, and show your support?

First shout for Larne RNLI’s new Shannon class lifeboat Machiko Nancy.Larne RNLI came to the aid of two crew members onb...
25/05/2026

First shout for Larne RNLI’s new Shannon class lifeboat Machiko Nancy.

Larne RNLI came to the aid of two crew members onboard a broken-down RIB this afternoon (25 May).

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat Machiko Nancy at 2.48pm at the request of HM Coastguard after a member of the crew onboard the boat reported that they had broken down.

Coxswain Martin Agnew, Mechanic Derek Rea, Navigator Dave Somerville and crew members Samantha Agnew, Shea McFerran and Gary Hanna made their way to the casualties' last reported location.

Weather conditions at the time were described as good with a southerly breeze and smooth seas.

The casualties were located in the main shipping channel approximately three and a half nautical miles northeast of Larne, close to Hunters Reef.

Once on location, the Coxswain assessed the situation. It was established that all crew members were safe and that the reason for the breakdown was mechanical failure. Mechanic Derek Rea then boarded the RIB to assist with restarting the engine; however, this proved unsuccessful. After checking that all on board were 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 entrance of the Port of Larne. With the assistance of the inshore D class lifeboat Terry helmed by Willie Evans, with Jordan McIlhinney and Jack Healy on board the boat was safely returned to East Antrim Boat Club where a jump pack was used to restart the RIB’s engine. Following a further assessment by the Coxswain the crew of the RIB were able to continue their journey home.

Speaking following the call out, Larne RNLI Coxswain, Martin Agnew said, ‘We would like to wish the crew well. The casualties 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.’

📷 Ross Stewart & Jason Bain

Larne RNLI launch to reports of a casualty on the rocks.Larne RNLI came to the aid of a person who had fallen on the roc...
25/05/2026

Larne RNLI launch to reports of a casualty on the rocks.

Larne RNLI came to the aid of a person who had fallen on the rocks this afternoon (25 May).

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat Terry at 2.03pm at the request of HM Coastguard following a report that someone had fallen on the rocks at Drains Bay.

Helm Willie Evans and crew members Jack Healy, Jordan McIlhinney and Scott Leitch made their way to the casualties last reported location.

Weather conditions at the time were described as good with a southerly breeze and smooth seas.

On arrival the casualty was located on the rocks close to Drains Bay beach.

In a joint operation with HM Coastguard Larne, several crew members went ashore to assist with casualty care. Following an initial assessment by a member of HM Coastguard (an off-duty paramedic) the suspicion was that the casualty had broken their leg. The casualty was then placed on a stretcher and taken aboard the lifeboat. They were then taken to a more accessible part of the shore where they were left in the care of Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

Speaking following the call out, Larne RNLI Helm, Willie Evans said: 'We would like to wish the casualty well. We would also like to commend the member of the public for raising the alarm, that is always the right thing to do'. Should you see someone in difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

Call Out for Former Crew MembersLarne RNLI are currently seeking to make contact with former crew members who served abo...
21/05/2026

Call Out for Former Crew Members

Larne RNLI are currently seeking to make contact with former crew members who served aboard our recently retired Trent class lifeboat, Dr John McSparran.

The lifeboat served the community with distinction over many years, and we are keen to reconnect with those who played such an important role as part of the crew during its time at Larne Lifeboat Station.

If you are a former crew member, or know someone who served aboard Dr John McSparran, we would be grateful if you could get in touch by emailing the station at: [email protected]

We would also appreciate it if this post could be shared to help us reach as many former crew members as possible.

Larne RNLI Fundraising Branch Duck DerbyThe Duck Derby returns to the Inver River on Saturday 6th June at 12 noon, and y...
21/05/2026

Larne RNLI Fundraising Branch Duck Derby

The Duck Derby returns to the Inver River on Saturday 6th June at 12 noon, and you won’t want to miss it.

Make sure to get your racing duck booked in plenty of time! Ducks are just £1 each, with prizes awarded to the fastest ducks on the day.

You’ll find the Fundraisers in Murrayfield Arcade on the dates and times shown on the poster — come along, pick your lucky duck, and support a great cause!

19/05/2026

RNLI urges people to remember lifesaving Float to Live advice this Bank Holiday weekend

Ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend and with a warm spell of weather forecasted, the RNLI is urging people to know and remember how to Float to Live if they find themselves in trouble in the water.

Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead says: ‘We know that there will be a huge amount of people visiting the coast and our inland waters over the coming months and we want everyone to remember our Float to Live advice. Instinctively, most people who find themselves struggling in the water will begin to panic, swim, or thrash about.

‘We’re urging people to ignore this instinct and remember to float: Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. It’s fine if your legs sink – we all float differently. By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing. Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety.’

The RNLI is also encouraging anyone planning on visiting the coast this Bank Holiday weekend to choose a lifeguarded beach:

‘RNLI Lifeguards Northern Ireland will be on daily patrol from 10am to 6pm on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday,’ Linda-Gene continues, ‘on Benone Strand, Portstewart Strand, Portrush West and East Strands, Whiterocks and Ballycastle on the North Coast, and on Tyrella Beach in County Down.

‘Our lifeguards are there to keep you and your loved ones safe, in and out of the water, by providing first aid and sharing vital safety advice. Choosing a lifeguarded beach means you will also know to swim between the red and yellow flags which are marked based on where it is safest to swim for the conditions.’

The charity’s advice for anyone struggling in the water is ‘Float to Live’:
Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged
Relax and try to breathe normally
Move your hands and feet to help you stay afloat
It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently
Practise floating in a local pool if you can.

If you see someone else struggling in water:
Phone 999 or 112 to get help
Tell them to stay calm and float on their back
Throw rescue equipment to help them float until emergency services arrive

15/05/2026

With the end of school term fast approaching, the RNLI’s Water Safety team is running free one hour water safety webinars for post-primary schools ahead of the summer holidays.
You can choose from one of four options: 10am on Wednesday 20 May, 10am on Thursday 21 May, 10am on Wednesday 27 May or 10am on Thursday, 28 May.
Select your preferred date on www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-rnli-water-safety-webinar-for-secondary-schools-tickets-1983530526199 to receive your Microsoft Teams link. If you are having problems booking or want alternative times and dates, please contact [email protected]

What will be covered:
• Top Tips – how to swim, paddleboard and enjoy water sports safely.
• Float to Live – the five simple steps to stay afloat if you fall into the water unexpectedly and survive Cold Water Shock
• Understand The Risks – rip currents, tides, offshore winds, and beach safety flags
• Calling for Help – who to call (999 or 112) and what information to give
• Live Q&A with RNLI experts including serving lifeboat crew.

The volunteer crew from Larne RNLI were met with challenging conditions during tonight’s training exercise.This evening,...
14/05/2026

The volunteer crew from Larne RNLI were met with challenging conditions during tonight’s training exercise.

This evening, the crew took to the water aboard their Shannon class lifeboat Machiko Nancy, putting their skills to the test through a series of vital training exercises.

The session began with a detailed boat layout familiarisation before moving on to navigation and helming exercises in fair weather conditions. Despite the challenging seas, the crew demonstrated great teamwork throughout the exercise.

Regular training like this ensures our crew remain fully prepared to continue their lifesaving work.

📷 Frank Healy

The next stage of the journeyThis afternoon, Larne RNLI’s former lifeboat Dr John McSparran departed the safety of Bango...
13/05/2026

The next stage of the journey
This afternoon, Larne RNLI’s former lifeboat Dr John McSparran departed the safety of Bangor Marina and began its journey to Portree on the Isle of Skye.
The crew plan to stop off in Oban for a well-earned rest before continuing on their way.

📷 Derek Rea & Ross Stewart

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13-17 Olderfleet Road
Larne
BT401AS

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