STRANGFORD LOUGH DINGHY RACING HIT BY STORMY WEATHER
The
Coastguard is this afternoon coordinating a rescue response after approximately
80 sailing dinghies were hit by stormy weather in Strangford
Lough.
Belfast
Coastguard was first contacted just before 2pm reporting that some of the boats
had capsized, while others were struggling to cope in the strong winds and
squally showers.
The
Bangor and Portaferry Coastguard Rescue Teams, the Portaferry and Newcastle RNLI
lifeboats, the Irish Coast Guard helicopter along with the helicopter from RAF
Valley have been sent to the scene.
It is
not clear at this time how many people are involved and if there are any
injuries. A search and rescue operation is ongoing.
UPDATE: 15:00 Monday 11 August 2014
Latest information suggests that 10 people have been injured, most showing signs of hypothermia. Ambulance crews are treating them on scene.
It's believed that all those in the water have been accounted for. However rescue units on scene, including the helicopters and lifeboats, are carrying out further searches to make sure.
UPDATE: 16.35 Monday 11 August 2014
UPDATE: 15:00 Monday 11 August 2014
Latest information suggests that 10 people have been injured, most showing signs of hypothermia. Ambulance crews are treating them on scene.
It's believed that all those in the water have been accounted for. However rescue units on scene, including the helicopters and lifeboats, are carrying out further searches to make sure.
UPDATE: 16.35 Monday 11 August 2014
More
than 200 people have returned to shore after 87 sailing dinghies were hit by
stormy weather in Strangford Lough.
Belfast
Coastguard was first contacted just before 2pm reporting that some of the boats
had capsized, while others were struggling to cope in the strong winds and
squally showers.
The
Bangor and Portaferry Coastguard Rescue Teams, the Portaferry and Newcastle
RNLI lifeboats, the Irish Coast Guard helicopter along with the
helicopter from RAF Valley were sent to the scene, along with PSNI
and ambulance crews.
10
people were injured, with some of them showing signs of
hypothermia.
Liam
Colquhoun, Watch Manager at Belfast Coastguard, said:
“We
have now been told by our rescue units on scene that everyone has safely
returned to shore and that no one is missing.
“We
believe 20 people ended up in the water after their boats capsized this
afternoon, 10 of them requiring medical attention.
“The
weather conditions on scene have been pretty treacherous, with winds gusting up
to 60mph. We’re very thankful that everyone has now returned to shore safe and
well.”