Portrush RNLI launched to reports of missing divers at Rathlin Island
Portrush RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch by the Coastguard today (Sunday 16th August) at 5.16 pm to a report of two missing divers just off Rathlin Island.
Portrush RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch by the Coastguard today (Sunday 16th August) at 5.16 pm to a report of two missing divers just off Rathlin Island.
The divers were part of an organised party with a dive school and the dive leader immediately raised the alarm and contacted the Coastguard as a precaution.
Weather conditions were good with a light wind and excellent visibility, but as the lifeboat made way to Rathlin the call as received that the divers had been found and had been recovered by the dive boat. Portrush RNLI was asked to standby at Ballycastle in case a medical evacuation was required. However, the Dive company had a doctor on board and the divers were assessed as being fit and were handed over to the Ambulance service to be taken to hospital as a precaution.
Judy Nelson Portrush RNLI Volunteer Press Officer at Portrush said:-
‘ This has been one of our busiest seasons as people are choosing to holiday at home and try sea based activities that they may not have done before. We would advise the public to book these activities with an experienced group, who on this occasion observed all safety precautions and raised the alarm immediately thus preventing an untoward event’
Ends
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