Portrush all-weather lifeboat was launched on Monday (17 August) to reports of a yacht in difficulty off Ballintoy, just three miles North of Sheep Island.
The lifeboat was launched at 2.45pm approximately on a beautiful warm day on the North Coast.
When the lifeboat crew arrived on scene, they quickly established that the propeller of the yacht had been fouled, and the Y- boat was launched from the all-weather lifeboat in order to get a closer look.
The volunteer crew was unable to assist initially as the tide was so strong that that the crew could not lift the rope or get close to the yacht and had to wait some time until the tide had until the tide had slackened.
The crew deployed numerous ideas to default the prop but resorted to cable tying a hacksaw to a boathook and sawing through the rope.
The yacht was then able to make its way to Harbour under its own steam.
Robin Cardwell Lifeboat Operations Manager at Portrush RNLI Station commented; ‘Our crew always ensure they get the job done. Using their training they were able to make sure that the crew of the yacht were able to get underway and enjoy the rest of their trip. The beautiful summer’s day contrasted with the strong tides that can never be underestimated on the North Coast.’
The lifeboat crew returned to station to 7pm.
Credit: RNLI/Dave Robinson
