IRISH volunteers from the RNLI rescued six fisherman during a 15 hour rescue in rough Atlantic conditions.
The fishing boat sustained engine failure 10 miles north of Malin Head on the Donegal coast late on Sunday evening October 1.
The lifeboat crew was requested by Belfast Coastguard to launch their all-weather lifeboat and go to the assistance of a 15 metre fishing vessel.
The all-weather lifeboat under Coxswain Mark Mitchell and with six crew members onboard, launched and made its way to the scene in stormy conditions.
The RNLI said the weather was overcast with showers and moderate seas as the boat launched but conditions progressed to a force eight south westerly gale as the lifeboat approached Malin Head.
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The lifeboat arrived on scene at shortly before 1am and the crew assessed that the six fishermen were safe and well before working with them to establish a towline.
With a tow set up, the lifeboat proceeded to take the fishing vessel into Lough Swilly, on the Inishowen Peninsula, before diverting to Greencastle due to deteriorating tide and wind conditions.
During what was a slow tow, the lifeboat was assisted by Lough Swilly RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat which launched at 8am on Monday morning to assist in bringing in the boat.
The Portrush crew arrived back at their station at approximately 1.15pm on Monday, October 2.
Speaking following the call out, Keith Gilmore, Portrush RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: "This has been a long and challenging call out for our volunteers in what were rough weather conditions but they were delighted to have been of assistance to the six fishermen who we would like to commend for doing the right thing and raising the alarm when their boat sustained engine failure.
"This call out is a fine example of volunteers showing their willingness to forgo a night’s sleep and the comfort of a warm bed and some food and using their skill and experience to face challenging weather conditions to help bring others to safety."
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