Lifeboat and Coastguard crews rescue three fishermen off Antrim coast

By Q Radio news

Three fishermen have been rescued after their boat became grounded off the Antrim coast this morning,

Lifeboat crew members from Red Bay safely got the men ashore after their vessel struck the rocky coastline south of Glenarm in strong winds and choppy waters.

Two of the men were taken off the vessel successfully by lifeboat, the third man needed the aid of a stretcher in conjunction with shore based coastguards.

Commenting on the callout Red Bay RNLI Helm Connor McLaughlin said, ‘ The fishing vessel was stuck fast on the rocky coastline and the crew were unable to move.  

With the tide dropping fast and visible damage to the vessel, we needed to bring them to safety as quickly as possible. 

Working with the local coastguard agencies, two of our crew swam to shore and brought all three of the men to safety, with one needing a stretcher to be evacuated off the small craft.’

‘The weather can turn in an instant and its important to take note of tide times. Thankfully all of the men were wearing lifejackets and the outcomes was a successful one.

’PICTURES KEVIN MCAULEY/MCAULEY MULTIMEDIA