Downtown Radio Fundraiser 'Sunk'

A popular Northern radio station was all-at-sea overnight, as a total of six people - including three Downtown radio presenters - had to be rescued by lifeboat crews after a 70ft yacht hit rocks near Ballycastle in Co Antrim.

With aid from a surprising source - a Russian trawler that stayed close by until those on board were rescued - no one was hurt

A charity fundraiser taking place on board the vessel, Lord Rank was literally 'sunk' when the boat ran aground off Kinbane Head shortly after 10pm and then sank early on Wednesday morning. Downtown was broadcasting from the boat as part of the charity campaign.

DJ Johhny Hero told the BBC that it was a frightening experience: "I was sitting going through photographs on the laptop and bang, it was like the scene in Star Trek where the Klingons attack the bridge and everybody gets thrown everywhere," he said.

"I was thrown from one end of the living quarters to the other."

He added: "The boat seemed to be sea-sawing back and forth.

The yacht was being used for Downtown's Cash for Kids charity and was on its way to Portrush when it got into difficulties.

As well as the three radio presenters Johnny Hero, Dougie Marshall and Robert Skates, three crewmembers from Ocean Youth Trust Ireland, which owns the 70-foot oystercatcher, were on board.

When they established they were stuck they called the Coastguard and lifeboat crews were sent from Red Bay and Portrush and took about half an hour to reach them.

Everyone was safely rescued - but not before Dougie Marshall dramatically fell into the sea - although he was quickly pulled out after he slipped when jumping to a dinghy used to get the six men off the yacht.

(BMcC/GK)