Looking back... Family rescued after boat sinks

A Glengormley family had to be rescued from the sea after the cabin cruiser in which they were sailing sank a mile off Islandmagee in July 1966.

Mr and Mrs William Gregg, from Carnvue Park, and their two children were pulled to safety by the coastguard.

Two other passengers, a policeman from Antrim and his 14-year-old son, were also rescued as the boat sank.

A distress flare had been seen by the coastguard who had been cruising half a mile away.

He sailed alongside the stricken vessel and pulled all six to safety.

The boat’s 15 ft mast had been broken off and 6 ft cracks were found in the hull. The families’ belongings were found intact.

The cabin cruiser had been sailing from Carrick to Larne.