The Royal National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck (RNIPLS), later to become the RNLI in 1854, would award medals for deeds of gallantry at sea, even if no lifeboats were involved.

[1][5] On the morning of 3 October 1873, in a north-west gale, the Portrush lifeboat Laura, Countess of Antrim was called to the aid of the brigantine Amanda of Coleraine.

Horses from the tramway company were employed to pull the lifeboat along 2 miles (3.2 km) of soft sand, before she was launched nearer the wreck.

On 1 November 1889, after less than one month on station, and on its first call, the Robert and Agnes Blair was launched to the aid of the French Schooner Dryad, but assistance was not required.

[8][9][10][11] Less than two years later, the Robert and Agnes Blair was launched on 2 March 1891, to the aid of the schooner Ellen Myvanwy, anchored in Skerries Roads in a north-westerly gale.

After several attempts to reach the vessel, the lifeboat being beaten back for two days, the three men aboard were finally rescued.

Master Mariner Frederick Watt and Coxswain John Hopkins were both awarded the RNLI Silver Medal.

Just 30 minutes after setting out, the lifeboat was stood down, as the two Spanish vessels were safe, but there was no possibility of turning back for risk of capsize.

[13][14][15] On 29 January 2008, the Portrush lifeboat 17-23 Katie Hannan (ON 1247), on station since 15 June 2000, was attempting the rescue of three men in a RIB in extremely rough conditions, when the boat was swept onto the rocks near the entrance to Rathlin Harbour and grounded.

[17] Lifeboat Mechanic Anthony Chambers was awarded the RNLI Bronze Medal after the rescue on 5 August 2009, of two boys cut off by the tide in a cave.