Tributes have been paid to a former Portrush RNLI crew member who has been described as "larger than life" and a "mentor to many".
The Portrush RNLI have expressed condolences to the family of their former First Coxswain Willie McAuley who has sadly passed away.
He has been described as a "gentleman" and "larger than life" character who served with the lifesaving lifeboat crew for 27 years before his retirement in 2012.
The team has said that Willie had been a "highly esteemed" member of the crew who had been a mentor to many new recruits over the years and will be sorely missed.
He had been involved in numerous rescue missions over the years, including one in 2009 when he helped to rescue two teenages boys from a cave in Castlerock.
The RNLI said: "The Crew, Operations and Fundraising teams at Portrush RNLI are sorry to hear of the death of their highly esteemed ex coxswain ‘Big’ Willie McAuley. Whilst on crew Willie took part in many memorable rescues one of which was the rescue of two teenage boys from a cave at Castlerock in 2009.
"Willie was a larger than life , quiet man who was a mentor to many a new crew member. He will be missed.
"Our sincere condolences to Sara, his partner: Lorna his daughter: son in law Johnny , who is also a Coxswain at the station, brother Paul and sister in law Elizabeth. Our thoughts are with you all and the wider family circle. RIP Big man."
Following the announcement of his passing, people have taken to social media to pay tribute to Willie saying that the "Portrush character" will be a huge loss to the town.
One person said: "So sorry to hear this sad news today. Deepest sympathy to all the family at this very sad time. A large part of Portrush. He will be greatly missed."
Former Lifeboat Operations Manager James Heaney said: "Such sad news I have known Willie a lifetime, and was the Lifeboat Operations Manager when he was appointed Coxswain. A true seaman and he carried out many rescues. My thoughts are with Sara and Lorna and the rest of the family. We had some great times."
Another person said: "RIP Willie.Thank you for showing me around both Station and Lifeboats.
"May God Bless You and All Your Family at this saddest of times."
