17 PEOPLE ON CANOE TRIP RESCUED AFTER BECOMING STRANDED ON LOUGH NEAGH


A group of 17 people, including 14 children, involved in a canoeing trip have been rescued after they became stranded on Lough Neagh.
Belfast Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was first contacted just after 5.45pm this evening by one of the group who was on shore reporting that 16 others out in seven canoes had become stranded on Blackers Rock. 
Kinnego Coastguard Rescue Team, three Independent Rescue Boats from Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, and a PSNI helicopter were sent to the scene. Ardboe and Kinnego Lifeboats managed to locate the canoeists and take them to Ardboe where they were met and treated by paramedics.
Meanwhile, the man who had initially made the 999 call for help had become lost himself and required assistance. He was located by the police helicopter and assisted to safety by Kinnego Coastguard Rescue Officers and a Lifeboat.
Nine children and an adult have been taken to hospital suffering from what is believed to be slight exposure.
Gary Young, Watch Manager at Belfast MRCC said:
“The first informant did the right thing by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard when he became concerned for those out on the water.
"If you’re going out in a canoe or kayak, we always recommend you wear a buoyancy aid and carry communications equipment such as a VHF marine band radio so you can contact the Coastguard if you get into difficulty. It is also important to check the weather conditions at the time of your trip, this is always available from the MRCC."

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