Kayakers Rescued Strangford Lough

Eight kayakers got into difficulty in Strangford Lough this morning and have been recovered to shore by lifeboat and helicopter.

Belfast Coastguard was called at 10.35am by two kayakers who had managed to make it to an island in the Lough and reported that another six kayakers in their group were in the water after capsizing.

HM Coastguard sent the Coastguard rescue helicopter from Prestwick and Coastguard Rescue Teams from Portaferry and Bangor and requested the launch of the Portaferry RNLI inshore lifeboat.

The two kayakers who had made the call for help were located by the Coastguard helicopter on an island and were airlifted to shore and the RNLI Portaferry lifeboat recovered the other six people from Strangford Lough.  All casualties were received on shore by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and have not required hospital treatment.


Notes to Editors:  General advice for kayakers

HM Coastguard recommends that kayakers tell someone at home their passage plan including points of arrival and departure, timescale and any other relevant information. It would also be advisable to consider advising the Coastguard of your intentions and any deviation of your plans. You should also carry a VHF marine band radio and/or PLB. Call the Coastguard if you get into difficulty, preferably via channel 16 on your radio or if not call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

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