Four fishermen rescued after boat overturned in Lough Foyle during ‘ extremely difficult’ weather conditions

The Maritime Rescue Sub Centre in Malin Head and Belfast Coastguard successfully coordinated the rescue of four fishermen in Lough Foyle when a 30 foot vessel fishing herring overturned.

The coastguard responded after the alert was raised by the activation of a personal locator beacon (PLB).

The causalities were located and recovered by the Greencastle Coast Guard D Class boat and transferred to hospital by the Sligo-based helicopter R118.

The Portrush Lifeboat was also involved with the search alongside other local fishing vessels.

Greencastle Coastguard said the weather conditions on scene were extremely difficult with thick, freezing fog and a low sunset bringing visibility to practically zero for large boats.

A spokesperson for Malin Head Coastguard said this rescue highlights the importance of having a properly registered PLB and knowing how to use it adding ‘this device saved four lives.’

Echoing their comments, Greencastle Coastguard said four men are going home to their families tonight because there was a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) activated on one of the lifejackets.

“All at Greencastle Coast Guard Unit would like to thank our colleagues at Malin Head Coast Guard, Rescue 118, RNLI Portrush, the local fishing vessels and all others who were involved in today’s search and rescue.

“We are more than delighted to have had such a great outcome for the four local fisherman, their families and friends.

“The weather conditions on scene were extremely difficult with thick, freezing fog and a low sunset bringing visibility to practically zero for the larger vessels including our Delta.

"Luckily, we had launched our smaller D-Class and the crew were able to see below the freezing fog to quickly locate and rescue the men without hesitation.

“But let’s look at the facts - four men are going home to their families tonight because there was a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) activated on one of the lifejackets.

“One small piece of equipment saved four lives.

“When on the water - Please always wear a lifejacket with a PLB attached and know how to activate it in case of an emergency.

“We are all incredibly happy and thankful that this callout ended with such success.

“Thanks again for all the cooperation and support we receive on an ongoing basis from our local community and wider community.”