Two people rescued after getting into difficulty in a dinghy near Benone beach

Portrush All weather Lifeboat was requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard this evening (Monday) to several reports of persons in difficulty in a dinghy three quarters of a mile off Benone Beach.

The launch request was received at 8.19 pm and launched 8.23 pm into near perfect weather conditions although the sea was slight choppy. The crew arrived on scene at 8.49 pm. As the ALB arrived on scene a local vessel had already picked up the two casualties as they had responded to a pan pan call for assistance. They waited for the ALB and her volunteer to arrive on scene.

The casualties were then transferred to the ALB at 8.55 pm where they were assessed by crew member Dr Peter Hughes. The casualties were assessed to be medically fit and were then transferred to the Y boat and taken back to the beach into the care of the Coastguard.

Judy Nelson, Volunteer Press Officer, said: "We are grateful to the local man who was scene to help the two casualties until the Lifeboat arrived. Luckily, we had a GP on crew who was able to quickly assess the casualties and allow us to transfer them back to the beach. The winds and tides are always unpredictable, so if you do see someone who you might think is in difficulty, please remember to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. This has been a very busy weekend for our crews and lifeguards but it's always better to be safe than sorry."

Tonight's crew were Johnny Weston Cox, Dave Robinson Mechanic, Raymond Fletcher, Peter Hughes, Ishy McIntyre.