04/02/2008

Portrush Lifeboat Replaced By Standby Boat

A standby lifeboat has replaced the Portrush all-weather lifeboat which remains stranded on rocks off Rathlin island.

The RNLI lifeboat that was grounded on rocks during a rescue operation at Rathlin Island harbour last week has been severely damaged following adverse weather in the area.

The £2 million all-weather Severn class vessel the Katie Hannan got into difficulties when attempting to rescue three people from a RIB that had been washed close inshore. The lifeboat was grounded on the rocks by a heavy swell. A Coastguard crew later rescued the people on board the RIB. The RNLI crew were themselves rescued without further incident.

Efforts to free the stranded lifeboat proved unsuccessful and the hull is now thought to be extensively damaged along the length of the vessel.

A fishing boat and the Larne lifeboat had tried to free the Katie Hannan which is stuck fast on rocks near Rathlin Harbour.

A relief RNLI lifeboat is now on station at Portrush.

(SP)

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