KAYAKERS RESCUED IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Press release: 109-11                                                                  23 April 2011

At 13.05 pm, Belfast Coastguard received multiple 999 calls reporting a group of kayakers in difficulty.

The callers stated that they could see a group of twelve kayakers in difficulty off Portballintrae, Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland.

Belfast Coastguard called out the Coleraine Coastguard Rescue Team and requested the launch of the Portrush RNLI lifeboats.

On arrival the Coleraine Coastguard Rescue team kept the kayakers under observation and directed the Portrush RNLI inshore lifeboat to the Kayakers. It was quickly established some of the group had become exhausted and suffering from sea sickness. Eleven of the group where transferred onto the large all weather Portrush Lifeboat whilst the Inshore Lifeboat escorted the one remaining kayaker back to Portballintrae Harbour.

The Portrush Lifeboat then transferred the eleven rescued kayakers who were mainly teenagers to the safety of Portrush Harbour.

Luckily none of the group required any medical attention.

Steve Carson, Watch Manager, Belfast Coastguard said:

Whilst the sun is shining, the wind can make conditions tricky and unpredictable.  It is recommended that you contact us and let us know of your plans. It can help in incident situations.

If you see anyone in trouble at sea or on the coast, please call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

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