SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME IN SEARCH FOR TWO MISSING DIVERS


A successful search was undertaken this afternoon for two missing divers off the Copeland Islands at the entrance to Belfast Lough.

Belfast Coastguard received a VHF radio call on channel 16 at this afternoon from the ‘Ballyholme’ dive club boat reporting that two divers were overdue whilst conducting a drift dive. 

Belfast Coastguard put out a Mayday relay broadcast to all vessels in the area to assist in the search. A Rescue helicopter was scrambled via Dublin Coast Guard. RNLI all weather lifeboats from Donaghadee and Larne along with the inshore Bangor lifeboat were requested to launch by Belfast Coastguard. Coastguard Rescue Officers from Bangor were sent to conduct a coastal search in the vicinity of Orlock Point.

Gary Young, Watch Manager, Belfast Coastguard, says:

“Cobblers Den, a vessel on scene, located the two divers and assisted with their recovery from the water into Bangor lifeboat.  The two divers were then transferred onto Donaghadee lifeboat to be medically assessed.  The divers were reported as being fit and well and no further medical attention was required.

Belfast Coastguard would like to thank all the vessels that responded to the Mayday relay broadcast.”


Notes to Editors:

  • Stay safe - before heading out on the water get trained, check weather and tides, wear a lifejacket, avoid alcohol and keep in touch
                                                                                                                     
  • Follow us on Twitter. We can be found at  MCA_media

  • The MCA is a partner in the Sea Vision UK campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the sea and maritime activities  http://www.seavisionuk.org/

                                                                          

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Duty Press Officer
Office hours: 023 8032 9401Mobile: 07764 624 505
Press releases and further information about the Agency is available on the Web at www.mcga.gov.uk

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