Larne RNLI volunteer crews were called out twice on Tuesday 22 July after members of the public reported seeing upturned boats, but both incidents turned out to be false alarms.

The first request came at 2.32pm from HM Coastguard after a person saw what they believed was an upturned boat 100 metres off Ballygally Head. Both the all-weather lifeboat and the inshore lifeboat launched and made for the reported location. Once on scene, the Coastguard informed crews that a whale carcass had washed ashore. A detailed search of the area found no vessel in distress.

At 6.53pm the inshore lifeboat was launched again, this time to a report of an upturned boat approximately one mile north of Barr’s Point. An extensive search turned up nothing. The Coastguard then advised that the reporting party had since watched the vessel right itself and leave the area. The crew located the only boat nearby, spoke to those on board, and confirmed everyone was safe and there had been no incident.

Speaking afterwards, Coxswain Chris Dorman and Helm Pamela Leitch commended the members of the public who raised the alarm, saying that calling for help is always the right action. Coxswain Dorman added that anyone planning a trip on the water should check weather and tides, wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device, tell someone ashore where they are going and when they expect to return, always carry a means of communication, and dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if they get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble.