Damaged lifeboat in RIB rescue (Portrush)

They tried to refloat the Portrush lifeboat Katie Hannan but it has not been possible. The stranded 17m craft, which has a 3m long by 10cm wide hole along the, will now be lifted on to a barge for removal.

Katie Hannan was left high and dry on Rathlin Island by a freak wave while trying to save the crew of a RIB that had got into difficulties. Coastguards rescued the RIB crew and also helped the lifeboat crew ashore.

A relief lifeboat has already been placed on station at Portrush, but it is reported that Katie Hannan may be damaged too badly to repair her. Portrush is in Northern island.