Larne RNLI rescue two kayakers at Ballygally Head
Larne RNLI has rescued two kayakers who got into difficulty off the County Antrim coast this evening (Tuesday 27 September).
The volunteer lifeboat crew responded to a launch request from Belfast Coastguard at approximately 6.30pm following reports of two kayakers in difficulty at Ballygally Head.
The initial alarm was raised by a member of the public reporting two kayakers in trouble with one kayaker in the water.
Weather conditions were described as blowing a Force 3-4 wind with a slight swell and reduced visibility due to darkness falling.
Both Larne RNLI’s all-weather and inshore lifeboats launched at 6.42pm and the crews were quickly on scene. The casualties were located and recovered into the inshore lifeboat and were medically assessed by the crew.
Larne’s inshore lifeboat crew transferred the kayakers safely back to shore at Ballygally and into the care of the Coastguard while the all-weather lifeboat returned the kayaks to shore.
Speaking following the call out, Larne RNLI Coxswain Frank Healy said: 'The kayakers were located quickly this evening and returned safely to shore and we like to wish them both well following their ordeal.
‘Our volunteer crew train all year round to ensure when the pager sounds they are competent to complete any rescue and this training quickly swung into action this evening. We would like to commend the member of the public who contacted the Coastguard and we would urge anyone who sees someone in distress around the coastline to never hesitate in dialling 999 and asking for the Coastguard.’
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Photo Detail
Photo courtesy of Donna McMaster.
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For information please contact Fiona Kirkpatrick Larne RNLI Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer Tel: 077 3805 9405 email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager on 00 353 87 1254 124 email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Tel: 00 353 87 6483547 email [email protected]
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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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