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


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.”

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