The Portrush lifeboats ran aground on Sunday within the confines of the towns harbour, the normal base of the vessel.
The lifeboat, which had previously been out on a shout, had returned to the harbour where unfortunately the lifeboat appeared to have fouled it own mooring and lose power.
The strong winds then forced the lifeboat along with a casual vessel aground beside the boathouse.
It’s not know what the extent of damage , if any, was caused to the lifeboat and if it will be out of action.
It is understood however a member of the Coast Guard was injured and required hospital treatment.
The following statement was released by the RNLI on Sunday evening, and read:
“Portrush All-weather lifeboat was requested to launch by the Coastguard today (Sunday 28 June) at 3.40 pm to reports of a 24 ft angling boat in difficulty at the entrance to the Foyle estuary.
“Weather conditions at the time were near galeforce with winds gusting from the west which made the rescue challenging. On arriving at the scene the volunteer lifeboat crew established a tow line with the fishing vessel at 4.27pm approx. and proceeded at a slow speed back to Portrush Harbour.
“The All-Weather lifeboat returned to the harbour with the vessel in tow at 5.30pm. In extremely challenging weather conditions the lifeboat temporarily went aground while assisting the casualty vessel to reach the pontoon.
“As a safety precaution the All-Weather Lifeboat has now been placed off service to allow a full inspection take place in the morning. Portrush RNLI’s inshore lifeboat remains on service.
“The volunteer lifeboat crew wish to acknowledge the help given by local fisherman Richard Connor and the local Coastguard Team in assisting the lifeboat to get onto the pontoon. Both the lifeboat crew and the crew of the fishing vessel were unharmed. However, we understand that a member of the coastguard sustained a hand injury in helping on scene and we wish to send him our best wishes for a full recovery.”
